'I knew before the match that Roger Federer...', says former Top 10

After a huge 2020 - embellished by the qualification for the ATP Finals in London - Diego Schwartzman's performance has dropped in this 2021. The Argentine has suffered a physiological decline in recent months, despite having reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros a short time ago . Fresh from the third round centered at the Tokyo Olympics, the South American player is back on the pitch this week on the Toronto hardcourt. Shortly before its debut in the capital of Ontario, the world's number 14 granted a lengthy interview for the ATP website. On the occasion of the five-circle event, Diego complained harshly about the playing conditions. “It's really hard to play tennis in 40 degrees every single day. I come home very angry, it is inadmissible to play in these conditions, more than tennis matches it seemed like watching 'The Walking Dead'. It is a pity that this happens in an event as important as the Olympics "- 'El Peque' had ruled. Interviewed by the ATP, Schwartzman unveiled his favorite Masters 1000 and expressed a dream about Roger Federer.

Schwartzman on Roger Federer

"I am going to choose Rome because I did so well [there in the] past two years and I love the city," Diego Schwartzman said. "It is like the chicken and the egg. Maybe because I enjoy the city, I have a good tournament or maybe I enjoy the city because I am winning matches." The World No. 14 further reminisced about his Masters debut, which happened at Indian Wells back in 2015. He was able to progress to the second round where he was defeated by eventual finalist Roger Federer in straight sets. "In Indian Wells [in 2015], I knew before the match that Roger Federer was [waiting] in the second round. It was a special match against [Jerzy] Janowicz," Schwartzman said. "He was doing very well at that time… It was a very tough match, but I won 7-6 in the third set and I was really nervous at the end." What is your dream match at a Masters 1000 (who would you play & at which tournament)?" Diego Schwartzman: "Indian Wells, beating Roger in the final." Federer has not played tennis since his Wimbledon Championships exit. He has decided to skip the events in Montreal and Cincinnati as well. It will be interesting to see if he competes at the US Open. In the end, mental fatigue can make an appearance and if a player can manage that, they can do wonders. The Swiss ace has done this well.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3g22Ceu