Diego Schwartzman makes deeply honest admission about his career ahead of retirement

Diego Schwartzman, 31, says he is happy with his accomplishments but admits that even he is unsure how he managed to make such a good career for himself with his “small body.”

Schwartzman, whose height is listed at 5ft 7 in (170cm) and weight listed at 141 lbs (64kg), for several years stayed ranked around the top-20 in the world and competed well against the best players in the game. During his prime years, Schwartzman won four ATP titles – reached his first and lone Grand Slam semifinal at the 2019 French Open – and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 8 in 2020. 

But the last two years haven’t been easy for Schwartzman, who is currently ranked at No. 141 in the world and is planning on retiring in front of his home fans next February in Buenos Aires.

“I think I did too many good things. With my small body… when I’m looking back, I don’t know how I did it, being honest. Even now, I’m trying and I know it’s difficult to keep being competitive in the matches, but I think that’s the way,” Schwartzman told rolandgarros.com.

Diego Schwartzman © Getty Images Sport – Marcelo Endelli

Schwartzman on his special French Open memories

After not being granted a main draw wildcard for his final French Open, Schwartzman tried to earn a main draw spot through the qualifying but failed to do so after Quentin Halys handed him a 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7) loss. Following the conclusion of the match, the organizers threw a little ceremony for Schwartzman.

In his lone French Open semifinal played and two other quarterfinal appearances, Schwartzman was beaten every time by Rafael Nadal. In 2017, Schwartzman also played against Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros and pushed the world No. 1 into a five-setter before falling just short. 

“There were very special moments here in Paris for me. I didn’t have luck on my side in the second weeks here, playing against Novak and Rafa, but at the same time I can [tell people] in a few years that I played against them many times in the second week of a Grand Slam – many are not going to believe me, I think,” Schwartzman said.