Diego Schwartzman kept it straight honest after winning his opener in Buenos Aires as the retiring Argentine admitted that he expected to lose and see his career come to an end.
After rain pushed his first-round match from Tuesday to Wednesday, the former world No. 8 edged out Nicolas Jarry 7-6 (10) 4-6 6-3 after nearly three hours of grueling play.
Last year, the 2020 French Open semifinalist went without registering a single ATP main-draw win and he is currently ranked at No. 386 in the world.
By beating Jarry, Schwartzman collected his first ATP win since 2023 October.
I expected to just lose to be honest. After many months without playing, I played last week and played great tennis," the 32-year-old reflected.
"But I didnt expect to win. I played a great match. I did good points. He played a bit nervous more than usual. I took the chance in the third."
Schwartzman: I expected to cry and be emotional... Now I have to think about the next match
The five-time ATP winner was ready mentally and emotionally for the Jarry match to be the last of his career.
But now, he has to think about his next opponent, Pedro Martinez.
I dont know. I was expecting after the match to cry a little bit and be ready for emotion, and not for the win," the former world No. 8 added.
"Now I have to recover and see how I do next round.
When Schwartzman and 41st-ranked Martinez meet, it will be their second meeting.
Previously, the Argentine dominated the Spaniard 6-1 6-1 when they met in Rio de Janeiro three years ago.
However, a lot has changed since and it is fair to say that Martinez is entering the match as the favorite this time.
But knowing Schwartzman, he will again give his absolute best - just as he did against Jarry.
