(August 26, 2024) FLUSHING, NY – Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman has played his last match at the US Open, losing to Gael Monfils on the Grandstand Court on Monday in the first-round of the US Open.
The former world No. 8 made it to the main draw through the qualifying tournament. He is calling it quits after the South American swing in February.
“[These are] special moments, like you saw before on the screen,” said Schwartzman after a video montage on his career played on court after the match. “Once again, playing here, 11 times in a row. Playing in a Grand Slam, at the US Open.
“I did great, but I think [also] the entire crowd, today and in the years before, all the Latin American people, all the American people here. I don’t know why they take care of me so well every year, and I’m not sure if I deserve it or not, but I’m really grateful for all the years I have been here.”
Here are some excerpts from his final news conference at the US Open:
“It was great. Many years, time pass very, very quick. I’m very happy how I did here and also how the crowd treat me, you know, all these years.
“At the end it was an end that I always dream, you know, on a big court against a big opponent like Gael. Enjoying a few moments in the match. Not every moment because at the end I was struggling.
“I think it was great this journey here in the US Open, it was every single moment great, and I really enjoyed.”
Q. Just looking back at the history, this is your most successful slam after Roland Garros. Two quarterfinals. The most recent against Rafa, I believe. What do you remember about that match in particular, just kind of those really deep runs here?
DIEGO SCHWARTMAN: Yeah, I mean, I think US Open 2017 was the first time that I felt like I was a great player, and I become top 30, I think in 2017 for the very first time after beating Cilic and Pouille, losing in quarterfinals against Carreno Busta.
That part of the year was very special. After that my tennis improve a lot, and always I felt great coming here. I had too many good matches. Even losing matches, but feeling always great with the people here.
Not just in US Open. You know, many different tournaments in U.S. Not just with American people, also with the Latin people that are living here.
Yeah, I think US Open gave me a lot of victories, good ones, and a lot of confidence to my career, different moments.
Q. You had a very emotional moment at the end of the match on court. I wonder if you could say what you’re feeling and what you’re feeling right now.
DIEGO SCHWARTMAN: Yeah, I think it’s crazy how the people treat me, like I said before, because, I don’t know, I never dreamed of this kind of things, playing in the US Open in a big court, first round for the very last time. You know, having all the crowd there, the tournament director, everyone there just giving me thank you for coming.
I don’t know. It’s crazy for me. Since I’m young, I never dream of this. I finish my career this way, it’s very special and very emotional.
