Diego Schwartzman is aiming for ATP Finals: "The only thing I have on my mind"
Diego Schwartzman could qualify for the ATP Finals for the first time in his career this year - and therefore subordinates everything to this goal.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Nov 04, 2020, 01:12 am

After Andrey Rublev's tournament victory in Vienna, there is still a place available for the ATP Finals in London - Diego Schwartzman clearly has the best chances for this. One of the Argentine’s pursuers (Raonic, Carreno Busta, Wawrinka) who are still in the tournament would have to win a tournament in Paris-Bercy to catch the 28-year-old.
Schwartzman doesn't even want to make himself dependent on his competitors, but rather buy the ticket for the year-end finals on his own. For this, the world number ninth in the French capital needs a semi-finals after Matteo Berrettini's early exit . An undertaking that could be quite difficult given the draw.
Victories over Nadal and Thiem help enormously
Because right at the beginning Schwartzman has to deal with one of his fearful opponents: Richard Gasquet. The Frenchman, who defeated Taylor Fritz in three sets in the first round, has won all three duels with the Argentine so far. But this time things are a little different than in previous duels.
With his victories against Rafael Nadal in Rome and over Dominic Thiem at the French Open , the respect of his opponents increased, Schwartzman told the ATP : "This means that your opponents have more respect and more doubts. These circumstances will help you at the start of the game. "
Schwartzman has it in his own hands
Schwartzman sees another plus point in the starting position before the last ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the year: "Due to the difference in points, I have less pressure than my competitors. Things have to go well for them and they have to hope that I won't win any matches . I am not allowed to think about them, but only that I have it in my own hands. "
However, the new top ten player makes no secret of the fact that participating in the year-end finals in London would be "very special": "After a few victories in Rome, which helped me to play better and to be successful at the big tournaments, I was able to achieve it. From then on it was clear that London was my new destination. I didn't think of it a few months ago, but now it's the only thing on my mind. "
Schwartzman's chance could hardly be greater - and yet the South American wants to look from game to game: "That's the most important thing: I have to be ready for my first game. Then we'll see what happens."