“Beast, charismatic“: Diego Schwartzman Describes Rafael Nadal And Roger Federer

Argentine tennis star Diego Schwartzman has given his take on two of his most illustrated peers going around – Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

The current World Number 9, who reinforced his clay court credentials by picking up his first Tour title of the year at the Argentina Open, said watching Nadal in practice can send shivers down an opponent’s spine.

Diego Schwartzman says watching Rafael Nadal train can send shiver down opponent’s spine

Calling the Spaniard “a beast”, the 28-year-old Schwartzman said he shows no signs of slowing down and still has some titles at his favored Roland-Garros in him.

Nadal, who recently dropped to Number 3 in the singles rankings, clinched an unprecedented 13th French Open title last year, tying Federer’s career haul of 24 Major championship trophies.

“He will dominate at the French Open for two more years,” the Argentine told ESPN.

Diego Schwartzman says when Roger Federer makes his rivals look stupid when at his best

On the Swiss champion, who made a comeback to tennis after a 14-month absence from the circuit to recover from a second knee surgery, Schwartzman said when he plays at his best, Federer makes his opponents look “stupid”.

The 39-year-old’s run at the ongoing ATP Qatar Open was cut short in the quarter-final by big-hitting Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili.

The veteran took the opening set in Thursday’s tie, only to drop the next two and crash out of the tournament.

“When you face Federer, if he is inspired he makes you feel stupid, you cannot do anything,” said the Argentine, whose first name takes after his boyhood hero and “friend” , departed soccer god Diego Maradona.

Though Federer’s comeback campaign ended in the last-eight stage, he counted some positives which he said will stand him in good stead going into future events.

The former World Number 1 said he was happy to have come out unscathed in two three-set matches on successive days, while acknowledging that he was operating short of hundred percent.

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In more words of praise for the veteran Swiss, Schwartzman called him “very polite” with “incredible charisma”.