By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday February 13, 2025
The former World No.4 was given a proper send-off in Buenos Aires on Thursday, as he fell to Pedro Martinez in his last match.
Photo Source: TTV
Diego Schwartzman has struck his last ball in anger on the ATP Tour.
The former World No.8, who announced his plans to retire early last year, finished his career in Buenos Aires on Thursday and was given vociferous support from his hometown fans as he fell to Pedro Martinez 6-2, 6-2.
Before the match was concluded play was held up as Schwartzman was serenaded by fans in a goose-bump-inducing moment that shows just how beloved the 5’7” Argentine was for his game and his grace.
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During his career the diminutive Schwartzman was known as a relentless fighter that stood toe-to-toe with the game’s biggest forces. He cracked the Top-8 in 2020 after a brilliant run on the clay that saw him earn his most memorable career win over Rafael Nadal to reach the Rome final.
A few weeks later he defeated Dominic Thiem at Roland-Garros to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal.
Schwartzman was the first man 5’7” or shorter to crack the Top-8 since Harold Solomin in 1981. He won four titles on tour, the biggest of them coming in Rio in 2018, and he earned 251 ATP victories. The 32-year-old was a warm, captivating personality that was popular in the locker room amongst his peers.
He was sent off with an emotional ceremony that included a video tribute, with Argentinian stars such as Gabriela Sabatini, Guillermo Coria, Gaston Gaudio, Juan Monaco and his family and friends in attendance.
It was a perfect way to close a noteworthy career – the man known as “El Peque” will be missed.