Argentinian Schwartzman bids emotional farewell at US Open – News

In front of a packed stadium of over 8 thousand spectators, Argentine tennis player Diego Schwartzman played his last match at the US Open this Monday, losing to Frenchman Gaël Monfils in the first round.

Schwartzman, who plans to retire early next year, won the first set 6-7 (2/7) against veteran Monfils, who had beaten Spaniard Carlos Algarz ten days earlier at the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati.

In that first set, the Argentine saved two set points from Monfils and then completely dominated the tiebreak.

However, ‘El Peake’ ran out of steam until losing the following sets 6-2, 6-2 and 6-1 after two hours and 42 minutes of play.

After hitting his last shot into the net, the New York crowd cheered the Argentine with “Diego! Diego!” They shouted and praised.

Schwartzman, ranked eighth in the world, was emotional as he addressed the audience on Grandstand Court.

“It’s hard to talk, I’m a person who cries a lot,” the Argentine said before breaking down in tears.

“If you think I shouldn’t cry, I must be strong, but these are very special moments,” she said of a video the organization produced of her best moments in Flushing Meadows.

“I played here for 11 consecutive years and I played very well. The fans took care of me during those years, I don’t know if I deserve it, but I am very grateful,” he added.

The 32-year-old Argentine was able to bid farewell to his fans in New York by winning three qualifying matches after exiting the main draw of the year’s three other Grand Slams.

Schwartzman has been Argentina’s top tennis player in the ATP for years, but he has suffered a decline in recent campaigns that has dropped him to his current 244th spot.

Quarter-finals in 2017 and 2019 were the best finishes in New York for the Argentine, who has won four ATP titles in his career.

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© Agence France-Presse