Diego Schwartzman had a great performance against Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals of the French Open 2021, despite only taking a set from the Spaniard and losing in four sets. Obviously, he was frustrated with the Rafa roadblock that he has had to encounter recently in Paris, and hence he was asked about what he would feel if Nadal retired.

Since 2018, Schwartzman has been ousted from French Open by Nadal on three occasions. Last year, Schwartzman had beaten Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal at French Open 2020. However, then he lost to Nadal in straight sets. But keeping all the losses aside, the Argentine feels it will be sad when Nadal retires.

“No, no, it’s going to be sad for everyone. But obviously, I don’t want to be in the same side of the draw next time. I think I am a very good player on clay,” Schwartzman said.

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Diego Schwartzman wants to face Novak Djokovic instead of Rafael Nadal

Schwartzman gave a valiant fight to Nadal, and at one stage looked imposing on the Spaniard. Back in 2018 when they faced each other for the first time at Roland Garros, Schwartzman won the first set and in the process broke Nadal’s 38 set winning streak at Roland Garros.

And now in 2021, when he took the second set against Nadal, he broke the Spaniard’s 36 set winning streak. Hence he was disheartened and wished to be on the other side of the draw and maybe face Novak Djokovic instead.

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“I did great tournaments here in Paris but always losing against Rafa in the last few years. Semifinal, two times quarters, I want to play maybe Nole (Novak Djokovic) next time, but no Rafa. It’s difficult, I did great matches, always close the last few matches but at the end, he is winning so next time we will see.”

Schwartzman is a good clay-court player. He has won three titles on clay in six finals. It is his misfortune and pure coincidence that he faced Nadal early at Roland Garros in the past few years.

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