Federer, in a tuxedo, in front of Schwartzman.
Roger Federer This Friday he will play the last game of his career. It will be a double con Rafael Nadal as a partner, under the Laver cup, that exhibition competition that he himself has created and which brings together many great stars of the circuit. The overwhelming majority of the blue and white fans of the former number one and winner of 20 Slam will have to enjoy that historic game from a distance, through the screens (you can see it on ESPN and Star +). But there will be an Argentine who will have a privileged place for the last Majesty function of him, Diego Schwartzmannwho will be part of the Rest of the World team.
The small he will not be able to face Roger in his last game (he will play the second point of the day against Stefanos Tsitsipas), but this Thursday he had the pleasure of playing with the Swiss legend in what could be the last singles of his professional career. Of course, on a much smaller field than usual.
It is that in the preview of the gala dinner that is traditionally held the evening before the start of the competition, Schwartzman and Federer, already dressed in black tie for the occasion, enjoyed a game of ping pong, to which they put the same intensity they usually show on tennis courts.
“Just a quick warm-up before the Gala”Federer wrote on his Twitter account next to the video showing a fast rally, with John McEnroecaptain of the Buenos Aires team, as a witness.
In the brief exchange, the two can be heard mimicking the screams tennis players often make when hitting the ball hard during matches. And even the Swiss celebrate a point conquered, with laughter as well.
The Argentine, ranked 17th in the world, has played four times with Federer during his career. He could never have beaten him. Elveziano defeated him in the second round of the Roland Garros 2014 and of Indian Wells 2015in the semifinals of Istanbul ATP 250 of that same year, and in the second degree of Shanghai 2017. Will he have achieved his first win against Federer on the London ping pong table?
It seems so, if you read Peque’s response to Roger’s post: “I’m not going to give you a revenge, my friend.”
Schwartzman is enjoying his participation in the Laver Cup like never before, which he will play for the third time (he was already in 2018 and 2021). And he’s sharing some good times with Federer, as seen on Wednesday, when they chatted pleasantly as they prepared to pose for the usual group photos.
What did you talk about? Journalist Marco Zugasti He asked the porteño on Twitter, but the Piccolo wanted to keep the speech to himself. “Things have happened …”she commented along with two laughing emojis.
This Thursday, Schwartzman participated in various media outlets in the British capital and did a quick back and forth with ESPN.
“If Roger was a footballer? Easy, Diego or Messi, it depends on taste, with the 10. Something different from him to highlight? His essence, his presence. A different nickname? Um, they killed me. He goes for the part of “Perfection”but it is difficult to find an adjective that has never been used “, replied the Piccolo.
And when asked what one of the greatest players in history means to him, he assured: “I grew up with a Argentine Legion impressive, which was what led me to choose tennis. But Roger marked an era. And when you have the pleasure of sharing many tournaments and competitions with him, but also with the three best of all time, you want to be there forever. And this motivated a lot those who were able to meet him and compete against him “.
Source: Clarin
