“Always Sending Me Messages”: Diego Schwartzman Opens Up On His Relationship with Juan Martin Del Potro

The Argentine Diego Schwartzman has been around the circuit for a few years now. Diego is probably the smallest man on tour, measuring at a height of 170 cms (5 ft 7 inches). He was the shortest man to make it to a Grand Slam quarter-final. 

This small guy from Buenos Aires doesn’t feel suppressed by the taller or bigger players. Diego has beaten the likes of Zverev, Cilic, and Kevin Anderson. It indicates that he doesn’t feel intimidated by his opponent’s size. It also shows his ability to cover the court against these guys. With each passing year, the Argentine has certainly upped his level of gameplay. 

Schwartzman happens to be the next Argentine to qualify for London after Juan Martin del Potro. Del Potro has had constant troubles with injuries during this career. He is known as the first man to beat Federer and Nadal en route to winning a Grand Slam at the US Open 2009. Juan often acknowledges his compatriots’ performances from time to time.

In a recent interview, Schwartzman said, “He (Del Potro)’s always sending me messages when I’m doing well. We have a good relationship. We are friends from the tour. It’s sad that he has a lot of injuries.” 

Diego also gave credit to certain fellow Argentines who helped him evolve as a player. He stated, “When I started to play better we didn’t share a lot of good tournaments. But the guy who really, really helped me my career, the former players who are (Mariano) Zabaleta and (Juan) Monaco, they are like my big brothers.”

Also Read: How Dominic Thiem Can Beat Rafael Nadal at ATP Finals 2020

Diego Schwartzman is always striving for improvement

In 2017, Diego reached his first-ever quarter-final at the US Open. The following year in 2018, he managed to take a set against Rafael Nadal in a rain-hit quarterfinal at Roland Garros. Prior to the French Open, Schwartzman won the Rio Open in Brazil. In 2019, he shocked his doubters by defeating Zverev in the fourth round of the US Open.

The year 2020 has been kind to Schwartzman. He beat Rafa in the quarter-finals in Rome, only to fall short to Novak in the final. He handed two-time finalist, Dominic Thiem a defeat in a thriller at this year’s French Open. The Argentine qualified for the season-ending showdown in London.

Argentina has produced tennis greats over the course of time. Guillermo Vilas, Juan Martin del Potro, David Nalbandian, and Gaston Gaudio are a few ace players from the South American nation.