Day one at the US Open wrapped up with plenty of drama for Argentine tennis players. The star of the day was undoubtedly Diego Schwartzman, who had his New York farewell after 11 appearances at the tournament. Meanwhile, the likes of Francisco Cerúndolo, Tomás Etcheverry, and Sebastián Báez pushed on to the second round.

It was an emotional goodbye for Schwartzman (244th ATP singles ranked), a two-time quarter-finalist at the tournament: he announced his retirement earlier this year. The former world number eight lost 7-6, 2-6, 2-6, 1-6 to French player Gael Monfils (45), and couldn’t hold back his tears after being presented with a screening of his career highlights and a framed photo collage by the tournament organizers.

“It’s difficult to speak. I’m a guy who cries a lot,” Schwartzman said after the game. “I want to thank the crowd today and the years before […] — I don’t know why they took care of me. I’m not sure if I deserved it or not. I’m really grateful.”

With 12 Argentine players taking part across the singles draws — the most in a Grand Slam in 15 years — there was plenty of action for the Legión. 

Etcheverry (33) beat French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (52) 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in just under two hours of play. On Wednesday he’ll play against fellow countryman Cerúndolo (29), who had to fight from a set down to beat Austrian Sebastian Ofner (58) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. 

Wimbledon upstart Francisco Comesaña (108) battled over three hours to beat Dominic Stricker (169) from Switzerland 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. He’ll clash with Frenchman Ugo Humbert (17) for a spot in the third round.

Top-ranked Argentine Báez (23) needed three and a half hours of play to overcome Argentine-born Italian Luciano Darderi (37) by 6-4, 6-7, 6-0, 7-6. He’ll play against Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor (40) on Wednesday.

Camilo Ugo Carabelli (93) lost to local hero Taylor Fritz 7-5, 6-1, 6-2.

In the women’s singles draw, Lourdes Carlé (83rd WTA singles ranked) battled for over two hours with Ukrainian Elina Svitolina (28) but couldn´t make it to the second round in what was her US Open debut, falling 6-3, 3-6, 4-6.

Solana Sierra (158), who reached the main draw through the qualifiers, fell 6-2, 6-3 to her German opponent Tatjana Maria.