Schwartzman makes his Top-10 debut

Diego Schwartzman continues to have a breakthrough year in 2020. After reaching the final of the Rome Masters, the 28-year-old reached the semifinals of Roland Garros. While he was knocked out handily by Rafael Nadal, he has now made his Top-10 debut by leaping six places to No. 8.

Here are five things to know about the newest member of the Top 10:

1

Schwartzman's run in Paris ended in a straight-set loss to Nadal, but the Argentinian should still be proud. In 10 years on tour, it was his first semifinal run at any Grand Slam, and just his second trip to the second week at Roland Garros. His previous best major showing was the quarterfinals of the US Open in 2019,

2

He has only beaten the Spaniard once and it was just recently in the Rome quarterfinals. That gave him some hope going into the Paris clash.

It marked the second time the pair have played against each other at Roland Garros, the first was in 2018 where Nadal won in four sets.

3

So far in his career, Schwartzman has picked up three ATP titles: Istanbul in 2016, Rio de Janeiro in 2018 and Los Cabos in 2019.

In an abbreviated 2020 season he reached the final in Cordoba and Rome, after beating Nadal for the first time in his career.

4

Schwartzman is a huge fan of Argentinian soccer superstar Lionel Messi, frequently showing off his fandom on social media. He even attended the World Cup in Brazil to watch his home country earn a spot in the World Cup final. Unfortunately, Messi and his team would lose to Germany.

5

Schwartzman used his gaming skills to help all of those affected by the pandemic. Alongside compatriot Paulo Dybala, who has been a Tennis Channel Athlete Analyst, the world No. 8 participated in a two-day FIFA 20 tournament and raised $275,000 for the Argentine Red Cross. Fellow tennis players Dominic Thiem and Juan Monaco also took part.

Schwartzman is not entered in any events this week but there are still a few stops left on the ATP calendar.