Diego Schwartzman has always been one of my favorite players on tour. He’s phenomenally quick, has historically been one of the best returners in the game, and his cross-court backhand is top-notch.

Despite the obvious skills, Diego had not won a main draw match at an ATP-level tournament since his first round Wimbledon win over Kecmanovic in July. For a player that has been so consistent for so long, pretty much a fixture in the top 20 for the better part of the last five years, it’s been really puzzling how he’s managed to fall all the way outside of the top 100. 

The only explanation for such a quick decline has to be a combination of bad luck and mental struggles. I don’t believe he’s less athletic today than one year ago, or that he’s lost the game that he’s nurtured for the better part of 20 years.

This is why I think it’s only a matter of time before he recovers his winning ways. Schwartzman works too hard and is too hungry for him not to get back to his winning ways. The shots are there. He’s played some very competitive matches in the last two months against top opposition. Both Tommy Paul and Sasha Zverev needed three sets to beat the Argentine.

He’s now in the second round of the Shanghai Masters and will meet Jiri Lehecka in the second round. This is a winnable match for Diego. Although, Jiri is a rising youngster on the ATP, he hasn’t had great results on the hard courts this summer aside from an appearance at the Winston Salem Open final. 

Back-to-back wins would be great for building Diego’s confidence as he heads to the indoor European swing and preps for the Australian Open. A player as good as Diego belongs near the top. Diego, if you’re reading this, good luck! We can’t wait to see you back winning matches and lifting trophies. 

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