A tale from the bible was what inspired Diego Schwartzman to book a French Open showdown with 10-time champion Rafael Nadal.
The Argentine 11th seed bounced back from the verge of defeat to knock out Kevin Anderson 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(0), 6-2, in the fourth round of the tournament. A player who is 33cm (1’1″) taller than him. In both the third and fourth set Anderson was serving for the win, but was unable to close it out against the world No.12. Who will play in the last eight of a major for only the second time in his career.
“At the beginning of the first set, I didn’t expect Kevin to play really, really aggressive. He was doing a great job, and I was not playing my best.” Said Schwartzman.
“Then I just tried to keep doing my work, just trying to be there, stay on the court, focus. I knew in five sets it’s really tough to beat some guys in three sets, and I was just thinking that during the match. Then I had a really good finish in the end.”
Schwartzman’s comeback was the first time in his career that he has battled back from two sets down. Becoming only the eighth Argentine to reach the quarter-finals of a major multiple times in the open era. As to how he did it, the 25-year-old said it was a story he once read that inspired him.
“Did you read David and Goliath? That’s why. That’s why,” he replied when asked during his press conference.
“I read it when I was young in school, and I just try to think that when I see Kevin or the guys who are two metres (tall).”
David and Goliath is a biblical tale that features in the book of Samuel from the old testament. The story explained how David is challenged by Asrod to fight against the giant Goliath and the impossible happens: David defeats Goliath. In modern times, the term has been used to describe how people overcome adversity when the odds are against them.
Nadal next
In the quarter-finals Schwartzman will take on his ultimate Goliath – Nadal. The top seed progressed to the last eight with a straight set win over Germany’s Maximilian Marterer. On paper, Nadal is the overwhelming favourite with a 5-0 head-to-head lead. Although the Argentine is undeterred.
“This year in Australia I played against him in the round of 16. I won one set. I’ve had many, many chances, break points, and was a break up in against him.” He pointed out.
“All the matches I played against him I have my chances. So I need to recover well again, because to have chances I need to be my 100% against him. More so here (in Roland Garros) because he’s always playing great tennis here.”
Trying even take a set off Nadal at the French Open is by no means an easy task. The last person to do so was Novak Djokovic back in 2015. Nevertheless, his quarter-final opponent is gaining momentum following his latest triumph in Paris.
“I have a lot of confidence in my game, playing good tennis. Now I have the confidence also with my legs, and I know here on clay I can play for hours and play five sets. It gives me more confidence than before.” He concluded.
The upcoming clash will be the third time that the two players have faced each other on the tour.
