Retiring US Open star explains unusual decision to end career aged 32 with no injuries
Diego Schwartzman is playing his final Grand Slam tournament at the US Open.
Diego Schwartzman has opened up on his impending retirement as he competes in a Grand Slam tournament for the final time.
The former world No. 8 will end his career on home soil in Argentina in February.
For now, he is focused on the US Open, where he came through qualifying to reach the main draw.
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It will likely be his last Grand Slam appearance. Schwartzman’s ranking has dropped to No. 244 and he has failed to qualify for the three other Majors this year. Ahead of his first main draw match, the 32-year-old addressed the reason for ending his career after admitting he had no injury issues restricting him.
“I’m making the decision to stop,” Schwartzman told the ATP. “I’m very happy with that. No injury, no nothing. Okay, I decided to because I'm tired, because I'm feeling like I cannot be the competitor I've been before.
“And for me, it's great. Now playing the main draw in the last Grand Slam, after three qualies I lost this year in the Grand Slams, it's good.”
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Knowing that he was heading for the end of his Grand Slam career, Schwartzman wanted to enjoy himself. He channelled his emotions to win three qualifying matches and reach the main draw where he is facing world No. 45 and fellow tour veteran Gael Monfils.
They meet on Grandstand - the third-biggest showcourt - on Monday. Schwartzman added: “It’s going to be super fun. A match that I wanted to have for sure to enjoy in a big stadium.
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“Gael is one of the best and for sure the showman that anyone wants to play. Hope to have a great match and enjoy with him and the crowd every single point.”
Schwartzman still has six months until he officially hangs up his racket for good. But he’s already looking forward to his next chapter. “New life! New life is coming. Coming with a lot of emotions. So, yeah, going to the 35 I hope to also have family and everything. So it's a new life,” he said.
