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Rafael Nadal French Open 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Rafa Nadal, Roland Garros, Tennis News

‘I’m not too happy about playing Rafael Nadal,’ says Diego Schwartzman


Diego Schwartzman joked that he is ‘not too happy’ about the prospect of facing Rafael Nadal in the quarter-final and believes he cannot think too much about his opponent. 

The Argentine has enjoyed an impressive French Open so far, though faces by far his toughest test against the 13-time champion.

“I am very happy to be in the quarter-finals again. I am not too happy to play Rafa in the next round but let’s see what happens,” the Argentine said in his on-court interview.

During his press conference, Schwartzman gave his views on how he can defeat the Spaniard when they clash on Wednesday.

“I think at the beginning of every match against Rafa, you have to walk on the court thinking to win the match, to have opportunities and to get opportunities,” Schwartzman said during his press conference.

“Think about something else and not about Rafa on the other side of the net. If you think about Rafa in Roland Garros, he’s very difficult to play against.”

“You have to go to court, think about the tactics and think about how to play your best game.

“Playing against Rafa in these kinds of tournaments, it’s always a good step, a good time to know how good you are playing. It’s always a good challenge. I know we played two times here were good matches, and now let’s see what happens.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was also full of praise for the Argentine following his victory over Jannik Sinner, saying it is always a tough test when they play.

“It is always a challenge to play against him,” Rafael Nadal said.

“I need to play well, which I think I am doing. But of course he is coming with confidence of winning a couple of great matches.

“So let’s see. It’s the quarter-finals of perhaps probably the best tournament in the world so you can’t expect an easy opponent. That’s how it is and I hope to be ready for it.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.