This week, the Herald is reporting on the ground from the Argentina Open, so check back for updates!

Former top ten Argentine Diego Schwartzman (118th ATP singles ranked) hinted at retirement after losing 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 to Colombian Daniel Galán (80) in the Argentina Open. The Buenos Aires native, who won the tournament in 2021, was looking to improve his 2023 performance when he lost his first game.

A strong first set saw him get in command quickly with a break, and he secured an easy advantage. However, Schwartzman’s form dropped in the second set, and his temper was quick to flair despite constant conversation with coach Leonardo Olguín.

It was more of the same in the third. Schwartzman had big support from the fans, who often cheered him with classic Argentine football chants. Going 5-1 down in the third set, “El Peque” as he’s affectionately known, rallied to save three match points at 5-2 while Galán was on serve. However, he was unable to pull the trick twice, for the final 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.

“Losing at home always makes you sad and angry,” said Schwartzman after the game, as he struggled to explain his current form. “It’s a mix of things. When I need the physical tools to return one extra ball, I’m struggling to find it. When I need a bit more power to put the rival in trouble, I’m failing to do so.”

Schwartzman, who has struggled for form for the better part of the last two years, added he’s finding it hard to cope with bad results. “If I can’t find some wins to enjoy my games a bit more, I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep it going. I don’t have that much left in the tank.”

Without any of Monday’s rain delays, Argentine Federico Coria (106th ATP singles ranked) took to the court to face Austrian Sebastián Ofner (38). After a marathon game lasting over three hours, the Argentine won 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 to secure a spot in the round of 16.

“I was lucky the coin fell my way,” said Coria, who at one point was 5-6 down in the final set. “I was very emotional, I had goosebumps and teary eyes. I felt that whatever the result, I was taking home a lovely memory, cause it’s something I hadn’t even dreamed of.” 

Coria, 31, only reached his career-high 49th ranking in February 2023, and received a standing ovation at 5-5 in the third set. 

“When I saw kids cheering for me, it struck me cause I instantly thought of myself cheering for my brother, who’s my idol,” said Coria, who is the younger brother of former top 3 ranked Grand Slam finalist Guillermo Coria. “That’s when you think ‘I can’t feel tired, I can’t complain, I lose myself in bad thoughts, because I have to give it my all for the people who’ve paid the entrance and give it my all, win or lose.”

Coria reached the semifinals of the Córdoba Open last week. He will now play in the round of 16 against Brit Cameron Norrie (20), last year’s runner-up.

Image: Diego Schwartzman plays at the 2024 Argentina Open. Source: Argentina Open press