Google News Diego Schwartzman reflects on his results in South America after Carlos Alcaraz loss
by DZEVAD MESIC
Argentina's Diego Schwartzman was grateful to the Brazilian crowd for supporting him throughout his Rio de Janeiro campaign. Schwartzman, seeded at No. 3, fell just short of winning the Rio de Janeiro title as he ended runner-up in the final to seventh-seeded Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz, who is now enjoying a career-high ranking of No. 20, defeated Schwartzman 6-4 6-2 to win his first Rio Open title. Schwartzman, who had a first round bye in Rio de Janeiro, defeated Pedro Martinez, Pablo Andujar and Francisco Cerundolo en route to making the Rio Open final.
"The Brazilian fans were spectacular. Thank you very much, I felt at home. It was very beautiful during the whole week, including on difficult days. The court was always very full and with people cheering for me, very beautiful indeed," Schwartzman said, per the Rio Open Twitter account.
Schwartzman happy with his Golden Swing
Schwartzman played his first clay tournament of the season in Cordoba, where he made the semifinal before suffering a shock loss to Alejandro Tabilo. The following week, Schwartzman played in Buenos Aires, where he ended runner-up in the final to Casper Ruud.
Schwartzman won the opening set of the Buenos Aires final before Ruud stormed back to win three sets. After Buenos Aires, Schwartzman made the Rio de Janeiro final but once again fell just short of winning it all. "I think the South American clay season gives me a lot of confidence, points and rhythm," Schwartzman said.
"After Australia, I went back home not feeling very well. Physically I finished not in the best way in the first tournaments of the year. But then I made the semi-finals and two finals in South America, losing against I think the best opponents every tournament." Schwartzman will now take a few days off and start preparing for the Indian Wells Masters.