Diego Schwartzman is already looking ahead to his “new life,” but first he’s enjoying this US Open | ATP Tour

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Schwartzman is already looking ahead to his “new life,” but first he is enjoying this US Open

The Argentine will face Monfils in the first round

August 24, 2024

Diego Schwartzman’s smile on Thursday afternoon said it all. The Argentine had just successfully made it through qualifying to advance to the main draw of the US Open, the first time he has made it to a Grand Slam tournament in this way since Roland Garros 2014.

The emotion on the face of the 32-year-old Argentine, as he raised his arms to the sky in celebration, was more reminiscent of a photo taken when he won one of his four ATP Tour titles than of someone who has just made it through the qualifying rounds of a tournament. But there is an explanation for this overflowing joy.

“A few games into the match, I felt like it was my last time, so I was like, ‘OK, stay calm and just enjoy it,’ not feeling the way you’re supposed to be a competitor in a match,” Schwartzman began his explanation. “I think I did really well in the last three matches, and that’s why I won. In the end, you have to play a lot better than your opponent. And I think I did. I found a way to play with these emotions.”

In May, Schwartzman announced that he planned to retire in Argentina next February. It will end a memorable career that has seen the Argentine win 250 ATP Tour matches, make the 2020 Nitto ATP Finals and rise as high as No. 8 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

“What a journey! How many moments I never imagined, how many anecdotes I never dreamed of, how many people I met who helped me grow, who taught me so much, who made me a much better player and person than anyone ever thought I would be, including me,” Schwartzman wrote on social media when he announced his retirement plans. “Every corner of the court, every second training, every point competing, every moment I was immensely happy. I lived it with such intensity that today it is difficult for me to maintain it.”

Schwartzman reiterated this on Thursday, when he explained that he has given everything during his career. He does not regret his decision and is happy to leave this sport as he wishes.

“I’m making the decision to stop,” Schwartzman said. “I’m very happy with that. No injuries, no nothing. OK, I decided because I’m tired, because I feel like I can’t compete like I have before. And for me, it’s great.”

“Now I’m going to play the main draw of my last Grand Slam, after losing three qualifiers this year at the Grand Slams, it’s okay.”

Flushing Meadows has been a “great place to fight” for Schwartzman throughout his career. He reached the quarter-finals there in 2017 and 2019. He beat stars such as 2014 champion Marin Cilic and finalists Kevin Anderson and Alexander Zverev in New York.

This has been an unusual experience for Schwartzman, who has not played in a US Open qualifying match since 2013. But he is enjoying every moment, despite these circumstances.

“My mother is here. She was here when I made it to the quarter-finals,” the Argentine said. “It’s a different way, advancing from the qualifiers, going by bus… with a lot of people, it’s different, honestly. There are fewer people watching you.”

“But at the same time, players have come up to me and said, ‘It’s your Grand Slam, come on. Keep going.’ And that was good. I feel like for me it’s just another one, but at the same time, sometimes at another time that same day I feel like, ‘Okay, this is the last one.’ So it’s weird. But I feel good. I’m enjoying it,” she explained.

Before the draw, the former world No. 8 was clear about what he would like in the first round. He wanted a fun match.

“I hope to play on a big court,” Schwartzman said with a smile.

Although he did not yet know that the Grandstand would be the court he had been assigned, he did know that his opponent would be another former Top 10 player, Gael Monfils. “It will be a lot of fun. A match that I wanted to have and enjoy in a big stadium,” he said. “Gael is one of the best and the showman that anyone wants to play with. I hope to have a great match and enjoy every point with him and the public.”

It will be another opportunity for Schwartzman to demonstrate why he has become a public favorite over the years.

“It was very special for me to receive so many messages and good wishes,” he revealed about the fans’ response to the announcement of his retirement. “It’s different from what I’ve felt in the last few months. For me, I think I made the right decision. I’m happy with the decision so far.”

Recently engaged to his partner Eugenia de Martino, Schwartzman is heading into a new chapter in his life on and off the track.

“New life! A new life is coming!” Schwartzman exclaimed. “It comes with a lot of emotions, so I’m going to be 35 and hopefully have a family and all that. So it’s a new life.”