Diego Schwartzman

The man nicknamed El Peque (the short one) due to his small build and stature, Diego Schwartzman is one of Argentina’s finest tennis players on the circuit today. Schwartzman’s career hasn’t seen him notch much success in terms of titles won; he’s only won the four titles in a professional career that has lasted over 10 years at this point. However, his good showings in Grand Slam events mean that his remains up in the top 20 of the ATP rankings, with his highest position being the eighth position he managed to achieve towards the end of 2020. He’s also won over 10 million dollars in prize money.

Born in Buenos Aires but of Polish ancestry and a practicing Jew, Schwartzman grew up playing tennis at Club Nautico Hacoaj, a Jewish sports club. This is due to the fact that Jews were not allowed to join other sports clubs in the city during the 20th century.

Schwartzman turned pro in 2010 but it took him until 2014 to start making an impact on the ATP events, albeit in Challengers rather than on the main Tour. That was the year he won four Challenger trophies at Aix-en-Provence, Prague, Campinas, and San Juan. That set him up well for 2015. However, he didn’t manage a senior ATP title in that year. He reached the semis of the Istanbul Open and also the semis of the Davis Cup with Argentina.

He would go on to get redemption at the 2016 Istanbul Open as he won the tournament, making that his first major title on tour. In 2017 he reached the quarterfinals of the US Open, his best run in a Grand Slam till that point. That saw him finish the year ranked 25. 2018 then brought another title, this time at Rio de Janeiro and he would make it to the quarters in the French Open and the fourth round of the Australian Open.

2019 brought a title in Los Cabos as well as a semi-final appearance in Roland Garros, albeit in the doubles category. He would reach the singles French Open semis a year later and in 2021 won his fourth title at his home town of Buenos Aires.

Schwartzman’s game revolves around hitting strong forehand and backhand shots from the baseline, and he is capable either as a counter-puncher or while going on the offensive. However, he is better while defensive, as he can retrieve long shots better. He is also quick and that, combined with his baseline game, makes him better suited to clay courts.

His serve is consistent but not good enough to be considered a potent weapon in his game. Indeed, he is considered to be a better player on return than he is while serving. He is also capable of hitting good drop volleys and can do well on the nets, although he doesn’t often take that option.

Singles:

Australian Open – made it to the fourth round in 2018 and 2020
French Open – semi-finalist in 2020
Wimbledon – made it to the third round in 2019 and 2021
US Open – quarterfinalist in 2017 and 2019

Doubles:

Australian Open – made it to the second round in 2015
French Open – semi-finalist in 2019
Wimbledon – made it to the second round in 2016
US Open – made it to the second round in 2015 and 2016