Google News
The Argentina Open developed into a huge, wonderful extravaganza when Diego Schwartzman defeated fellow Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 6-2 to take the crown at his home country of Buenos Aires. He felt like a king not only because he won the title, but in the stands he was surrounded by his family and friends.
"It was an emotional week. [It was] different because in the other weeks you don't have all your family and friends with you..." Diego Schwartzman had said with a big grin upon his face.
This was the 4th title for Schwartzman, but the very 1st in his home country
He talks of his past disappointment emphasizing that "Two years ago I reached the final here and lost.
I was very unhappy." He'd tell the Buenos Aires Times that "...I finished up crying last year but this time it is joy that makes me emotional." The Argentine played superbly throughout this event and never dropped a set in his four rounds of play.
Schwartzman had the momentum and quality to become victorious as he said that "...Every match felt better and better. I think that's why I won the title." The quarterfinal made the ATP's no. 9th ranked player prove his dominance.
Jaume Munar of Spain gave Diego a tough time in many games making Schwartzman pull off a highly strategic game to win the match. Munar saved three match points in the second set, causing a scare that Schwartzman's tactics might be in jeopardy.
But this was premature as Diego broke through in the 12th game to win over the intense Spaniard. Schwartzman had come up against dealbreakers that could have put him at a disadvantage in playing against fellow opponent Francisco Cerundolo.
"I also know his whole family. They were there at the same club I started playing tennis..." Schwartzman explained and the final match could have gone the other way. The intensity was felt by everyone watching the match and the desire to make good for himself, family, friends and fans couldn't be compromised.
The Argentine was facing a drought situation when it came to winning a final and hadn't captured one since his appearance at the 2019 Los Cabos Open when he defeated Taylor Fritz also in straight sets. Fritz had come into the final with winning 13 of 15 matches and was anxious to grab the title for his own resume.
It never happened though as Schwartzman had come into the final proving he could win on another surface and proved victorious with his first title on hard court. He was just glad to have sealed his first title at home and hinted of his loneliness on playing when family and friends aren't around. But all he could express was that "Having these moments, sharing it with them...it's amazing!"