Diego Schwartzman bids tearful farewell at U.S. Open ahead of retirement

Emotions ran high at the US Open as Diego Schwartzman, choked up, bid adieu to the Grand Slam stage.
The Argentinian tennis star, 32, was overcome with emotion during his farewell speech on court after his U.S. Open exit. Despite a valiant fight, Schwartzman fell 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 to Gael Monfils, marking what is likely his last Grand Slam appearance.
Schwartzman plans to retire officially next February; but without any plans to play in the Australian Open next year, and having plummeted to No. 224 in world rankings alongside failing to qualify for this year’s other three Grand Slams, the former world No. 8 acknowledged tiredness from not being able to keep up with his past performance levelnot injuriesas his reason for stepping away from professional sport.
The two-time U.S. Open quarterfinalist treasured his final bow at 2024s concluding Major, despite struggling to hold back tears during his heartfelt address at Grandstand: “It’s difficult to speak,” Schwartzman said, visibly emotional.
“I’m a guy who cries a lot, not supposed to cry now, I have to be strong, special moments like you see before on the screen once again playing here 11 times in a row, playing in a grand slam in the U.S. Open, I did great but I think the entire crowd today, and all the years before, all the Latin American people, the American people.
“I don’t know why they take care of me too good, every year, I’m not sure if I deserve it or not but I’m really grateful for the whole years.”
With just six months until his official retirement from tennis, Schwartzman is embracing a new chapter. “I’m making the decision to stop,” he told the ATP prior to facing Monfils. “I’m very happy with that. No injury, no nothing.
“Okay, I decided to because I’m tired, because I’m feeling like I cannot be the competitor I’ve been before. And for me, it’s great. Now playing the main draw in the last Grand Slam, after three qualies I lost this year in the Grand Slams, it’s good.”
As Schwartzman prepares to say goodbye to tennis in February at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, his home event, he leaves behind a legacy of memorable moments, including an emotional farewell at the US Open where fans stood to applaud the 32-year-old, bringing him to tears.