DIEGO SCHWARTZMAN in a rut

[Zardoz7/12]

According to a well up voted youtube post Diego said that he knows his level is very low right now and that not even with the support from the crowd he could find a way to win today which is sad, especially when he plays at home. “I’m trying to find an explanation of why this is happening, my best shots are just not there anymore” he said. I wish him the best, I don't believe his "official height", he's at least 5ft5 and he fought to number 8 in the World, massive achievement.

 

[Rosstour]

Wait you think he's shorter or taller?

 

[toby55555]

Agreed, incredible achievement really.

 

[toby55555]

Wait you think he's shorter or taller?

Should have written he’s 5’5” at most

 

[Rosstour]

Should have written he’s 5’5” at most

Agree.

He's like 5'3" and has a jockey's high-pitched voice. Literally looks like a kid out there, and the little backwards hat and the clownish Fila gear do him no favors.

 

[jm1980]

Wait you think he's shorter or taller?

Schwartzman is officially listed at 170cm/5'7"

165cm/5'5" seems to be an exaggeration though

 

[Sampras-Bruguera 1993]

According to a well up voted youtube post Diego said that he knows his level is very low right now and that not even with the support from the crowd he could find a way to win today which is sad, especially when he plays at home. “I’m trying to find an explanation of why this is happening, my best shots are just not there anymore” he said. I wish him the best, I don't believe his "official height", he's at least 5ft5 and he fought to number 8 in the World, massive achievement.

Yea he can't reach the freezer

 

[MichaelNadal]

4-piece nuggz is struggling

 

[Jonesy]

Alcaraz stole his light as the best midget on the tour. That being said, like Alcaraz he is at least 2 inches shorter than his labeled height.

 

[Krish0608]

Schwartzman is the perfect example of a guy that punches way about his weight (and height). Huge huge respect for what he’s been able to do thus far. It’s very inspiring. Hope he can find his best tennis again.

 

[Rosstour]

Schwartzman is the perfect example of a guy that punches way about his weight (and height). Huge huge respect for what he’s been able to do thus far. It’s very inspiring. Hope he can find his best tennis again.

Unlikely...he's 30

"But the B3 dominated in their 30s"

Yeah, they are ATGs and doped to the gills on EPO and God knows what else. lol

 

[Lozo1016]

He's 1-11 in his last 12 matches. The only win was a first round victory in the Australian Open against someone named Oleksii Krutyah, a qualifier who was ranked 188th in the world. Schwartzman hasn't beaten a top-80 player since beating Karatsev in Cincinnati. It has gotten REALLY bad for him since the U.S. Open. He can barely even win sets anymore. Hope he finds his form again.

 

[Mainad]

Maybe needs to take some time out and practice his shots. New coach might help too?

 

[jm1980]

Maybe needs to take some time out and practice his shots. New coach might help too?

"Nunca había experimentado algo así. Trabajé mucho en pretemporada para arrancar bien el año, los entrenamientos no están siendo los mejores de mi carrera, pero están a un nivel muy superior al que muestro en competición y no he cambiado mis rutinas.

Perder con marcadores tan contundentes no hace más que profundizar mi inseguridad. Estoy acostumbrado a ganar muchos partidos y ahora me veo muy por debajo de lo que puedo dar. El caso es que no sé hacia dónde ir, estoy bloqueado. Sigo teniendo buen ranking, pero en estos momentos no sé cómo hacer. Dudo entre si debo parar unos días o si tengo que seguir intentándolo. Con mi equipo no he hablado nada, no encontramos explicación y estamos todos mudos. La responsabilidad es solo mía"

Translation:

"I've never experienced anything like this. I worked a lot in the preseason to have a good start to the year, the training sessions haven't the greatest in my career, but they are at a much higher level than I've been showing in competition, and I haven't changed my routine.

Losing by such lopsided scores does nothing but worsen my insecurity. I'm used to winning many matches, and now I see myself well below my abilities. I don't know where to go, I'm blocked. I still have a good ranking, but in these moments I don't know what to do. I wonder if should stop for a few days or keep trying. I haven't talked to my team about anything, we can't find an explanation and we are all silent. The responsibility is all mine"

From: https://www.puntodebreak.com/2023/02/17/schwartzman-no-encuentro-explicacion-nivel-solucionarlo

 

[mike danny]

"Nunca había experimentado algo así. Trabajé mucho en pretemporada para arrancar bien el año, los entrenamientos no están siendo los mejores de mi carrera, pero están a un nivel muy superior al que muestro en competición y no he cambiado mis rutinas.

Perder con marcadores tan contundentes no hace más que profundizar mi inseguridad. Estoy acostumbrado a ganar muchos partidos y ahora me veo muy por debajo de lo que puedo dar. El caso es que no sé hacia dónde ir, estoy bloqueado. Sigo teniendo buen ranking, pero en estos momentos no sé cómo hacer. Dudo entre si debo parar unos días o si tengo que seguir intentándolo. Con mi equipo no he hablado nada, no encontramos explicación y estamos todos mudos. La responsabilidad es solo mía"

Translation:

"I've never experienced anything like this. I worked a lot in the preseason to have a good start to the year, the training sessions haven't the greatest in my career, but they are at a much higher level than I've been showing in competition, and I haven't changed my routine.

Losing by such lopsided scores does nothing but worsen my insecurity. I'm using to winning many matches, and now I see myself well below my abilities. I don't know where to go, I'm blocked. I still have a good ranking, but in these moments I don't know what to do. I wonder if should stop for a few days or keep trying. I haven't talked to my team about anything, we can't find an explanation and we are all silent. The responsibility is all mine"

From: https://www.puntodebreak.com/2023/02/17/schwartzman-no-encuentro-explicacion-nivel-solucionarlo

Sounds like natural decline, but doesn't have the weapons to compensate.

 

[Gerco]

Schwartzman is officially listed at 170cm/5'7"

165cm/5'5" seems to be an exaggeration though

Believe me, he´s 165cm at most.

 

[Daniel Andrade]

in this post about Diego (in all of them really) most posters can only focus on one thing

Classy as always TTW

 

[Shaolin]

I have so much respect for Schwartzman. Hope he finds his game again.

I use him as an example to my students about how you can be a great play no matter your size. Tall players have the serving advantage but shorter players have an advantage in movement/quickness. He's pretty inspiring.

 

[Shaolin]

Alcaraz stole his light as the best midget on the tour. That being said, like Alcaraz he is at least 2 inches shorter than his labeled height.

Just curious how tall YOU are?

Does it make you feel bigger inside to call others a midget?

Alcaraz is a grand slam champion and world #1 no matter his height. Schwartzman a former top 10 player and tour title winner, while you will never win a single ATP point so I guess you need to feel better somehow.

 

[Jonesy]

Just curious how tall YOU are?

Does it make you feel bigger inside to call others a midget?

Alcaraz is a grand slam champion and world #1 no matter his height. Schwartzman a former top 10 player and tour title winner, while you will never win a single ATP point so I guess you need to feel better somehow.

You ok?

 

[WeekendTennisHack]

I think you meant runt.

 

[ChaelAZ]

He looked very average overall. Not sure he wasn't fully engaged and trying, but there were a few times he just looked resolved to let some points (and games) go, which isn't his usual MO. Maybe just one of those mental break seasons for him.

 

[Shaolin]

You ok?

I'm good. Just tired of Carlos getting height-shamed.

If anything, his being 5'11 or 5'9 or 5'2...(whatever the consensus on TW is this week), just makes it more impressive what he has accomplished.

 

[Jonesy]

I'm good. Just tired of Carlos getting height-shamed.

If anything, his being 5'11 or 5'9 or 5'2...(whatever the consensus on TW is this week), just makes it more impressive what he has accomplished.

Well, it is just a bit of trolling using the popular ongoing jokes around here.

The tiny Carlos joke @Lleytonstation probably has its origins in a match where he was listed taller or the same height as Nadal and standing next to him looked a good inch shorter.

No real harm, Alcaraz is still taller than the average people around the world and Diego probably has the highest level ever seen of a player of his height.

Like you said, the lower center of gravity helps with mobility and that compensate for a weaker serve. In the end the pros and cons balance it out and how a player use his skills to his advantages is what really matters.

 

[Cashman]

Doesn’t have the serve necessary to be an effective top player in his 30s

see ya Diego, it’s been real

 

[Bambooman]

He's not in a rut, that's his actual height.

 

[FRV4]

Agree.

He's like 5'3" and has a jockey's high-pitched voice. Literally looks like a kid out there, and the little backwards hat and the clownish Fila gear do him no favors.

Word bro, I like the part where you make fun of a professional athlete’s god given characteristics for no reason

 

[Rosstour]

Word bro, I like the part where you make fun of a professional athlete’s god given characteristics for no reason

I'm short too. About 5'7-5'8"

So, dressing to lengthen yourself is within one's control. He dresses like a kid and that hat makes him look like a Goldeneye 64 character on DK Mode

 

[Bambooman]

I'm short too. About 5'7-5'8"

So, dressing to lengthen yourself is within one's control. He dresses like a kid and that hat makes him look like a Goldeneye 64 character on DK Mode

OK Tom Cruise. lol

 

[FRV4]

I'm short too. About 5'7-5'8"

So, dressing to lengthen yourself is within one's control. He dresses like a kid and that hat makes him look like a Goldeneye 64 character on DK Mode

Nbd I was just trying out a joke

 

[Herald]

You ok?

The question is more along the lines of whether you are.

 

[DSH]

Who of the two is more dwarf, him or Oliver Rochus?

 

[Subway Tennis]

I really wish him well. Guys like Diego contribute to what makes tennis great.

Before Alcatraz completely shattered the glass ceiling for small players in the modern men’s game, Diego was leading by example himself.

He shows tennis is a sport without weight classes where any size can compete provided they have enough talent and athleticism.

 

[CoolCoolCool]

Looks like he wasn't told that aging affects level of play.

 

[aldeayeah]

I really wish him well. Guys like Diego contribute to what makes tennis great.

Before Alcatraz completely shattered the glass ceiling for small players in the modern men’s game, Diego was leading by example himself.

Alcaraz is Agassi-sized.

 

[crimson87]

He had to fight for every single point in his career. Must be exhausted physically and mentally.

 

[vokazu]

Yea he can't reach the freezer

Some refrigerators have the freezer section at the bottom lol.

 

[Deleted member 629564]

 

[BumElbow]

Diego is great at running down others' shots. But, the game has gotten faster and harder hitting. Diego's best surface is clay and he should return to being a clay court specialist. His high ranking got him into tournaments on different surfaces but, right now, he needs to focus on what he does best and that is playing on red clay and gutting out points. And, it's probably time to switch to a more powerful racquet. He is amazing swinging his 28" Innegra Radical! But, maybe he should consider going to a 100 sq. inch midplus that is only 27.75" in length for better maneuverability and a little more power. It is becoming increasingly difficult to be an effective counterpuncher in modern tennis. Zapata-Miralles blew him off the court with his power, speed and accuracy and appears to be on a hot streak.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Well, it is just a bit of trolling using the popular ongoing jokes around here.

The tiny Carlos joke @Lleytonstation probably has its origins in a match where he was listed taller or the same height as Nadal and standing next to him looked a good inch shorter.

No real harm, Alcaraz is still taller than the average people around the world and Diego probably has the highest level ever seen of a player of his height.

Like you said, the lower center of gravity helps with mobility and that compensate for a weaker serve. In the end the pros and cons balance it out and how a player use his skills to his advantages is what really matters.

What if you’re short and can’t move? (Just asking for a friend.)

 

[Bambooman]

What if you’re short and can’t move? (Just asking for a friend.)

That describes half the WTA.

 

[Zardoz7/12]

Just for clarification I mentioned Diego's height because I'm 5ft8 and played tennis, nowhere near the level he's at or reached.

It is HARD for a shorter Man to make any headway into tennis. I have massive respect for Diego for what he's accomplished, he's an inspiration for shorter Men to make it, I don't see how that is mocking or abusive.

 

[FRV4]

@Rosstour that post by you was not offensive at all, my bad, I musta read it really fast w/o understanding it yesterday

 

[FrankyRelax]

It appears that the Diego struggle bus route continues with no sign of a destination

 

[ronalditop]

Losing first set 1-6 against Lajovic right meow.

 

[AlecG]

“I’m trying to find an explanation of why this is happening, my best shots are just not there anymore”

Well, there's age, and there there are environmental factors like alcohol & air pollution that accelerate the aging of the brain. Does he drink?

 

[AlecG]

Diego is great at running down others' shots. But, the game has gotten faster and harder hitting. Diego's best surface is clay and he should return to being a clay court specialist. His high ranking got him into tournaments on different surfaces but, right now, he needs to focus on what he does best and that is playing on red clay and gutting out points. And, it's probably time to switch to a more powerful racquet. He is amazing swinging his 28" Innegra Radical! But, maybe he should consider going to a 100 sq. inch midplus that is only 27.75" in length for better maneuverability and a little more power. It is becoming increasingly difficult to be an effective counterpuncher in modern tennis. Zapata-Miralles blew him off the court with his power, speed and accuracy and appears to be on a hot streak.

A couple of problems with this in my opinion. Firstly, the difference in maneuverability of 1/4 inch is going to be tiny while the difficulty of over-comiing a career of muscle memory is going to be huge. & he says "my best shots are just not there anymore" (the shots he used to have with that same racquet) so that doesn't sound like it's *just* from his competition is getting tougher. He feels like his game his dropped and not just that his competition has gotten tougher.

Secondly, a smaller racquet doesn't give more power in general. It can mean more power when you don't have time for a big swing, but when you do have time for a big swing a longer racquet is more powerful. And despite his slump he is still top 10 in the last 12 months for first serve returns& return games won & top 15 for second serve returns so it doesn't seem like he's having huge issues with maneuverability. However, he is ranked 67 for second serve points won while Nishioka at roughly the same height is ranked number 4, so if I were going to work on anything technical it would be that. Maybe a shorter racquet would help on the second serve or maybe the opposite. Hard to say. But I don't know his prior second serve stats. I imagine they were better. Maybe he used to be good in that area & he's just dropped off mentally for some reason.

 

[jm1980]

The rut continues? Schwartzman picks up another first match loss in Santiago to Jarry, against whom he was previously 4-0.

Now 1-13 in his last 14 matches:

Tournament	Surface	Opponent	Opp. Rank	Result	Score
US Open	Hard	Tiafoe	26	Loss	6-7(7) 4-6 4-6
Davis Cup	Hard	M Ymer	98	Loss	2-6 2-6
Laver Cup	Hard (i)	Tsitsipas	6	Loss	2-6 1-6
Tel Aviv	Hard (i)	Rinderknech	58	Loss	3-6 6-2 6-7(7)
Antwerp	Hard (i)	Goffin	58	Loss	6-7(3) 2-6
Vienna	Hard (i)	Rublev	8	Loss	4-6 1-6
Paris Masters	Hard (i)	Cressy	34	Loss	3-6 3-6
Auckland	Hard	Brooksby	48	Loss	1-6 RET
AO	Hard	Krutykh	188	Win	6-4 6-7(6) 6-3 7-6(5)
AO	Hard	Wolf	67	Loss	1-6 4-6 4-6
Cordoba	Clay	JM Cerundolo	114	Loss	6-7(6) 1-6
Buenos Aires	Clay	Zapata Miralles	74	Loss	1-6 3-6
Rio	Clay	Lajovic	80	Loss	1-6 4-6
Santiago	Clay	Jarry	87	Loss	4-6 6-4 6-7(2)

The bad news is the clay season is here and he is still losing. Ends the South American clay swing 0-4. There is a silver lining though; he actually looked decent against Jarry

 

[Rosstour]

He's on the farewell tour and hasn't realized it yet

 

[AlecG]

His 3 month UTR is 14.64 which puts him at about 155 in the world. Thankfully he played better than that today. But looking at those matches just makes me realise how insanely competitive the top 100 is at the moment. Excluding Novak & perhaps now Medvedev, the difference in ability between the top 10 and the rest of the top 100 doesn't seem very big.