Diego Schwartzman struggled to get any words out on court as he made an emotional farewell speech following his exit at the US Open. The 32-year-old Argentinian lost 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 to Gael Monfils, signalling the end of his career at the Grand Slam.

Swartzman intends to officially retire next February in his homeland, but the former world No. 8 has likely already played his final Major, as he does not currently plan on playing in next year’s Australian Open.

Having dropped to No. 224 in the rankings and failing to qualify for the other three Grand Slams this year, Schwartzman insisted that he is not quitting professional sport through injury and is “tired” of not being able to compete at his previous level.

As a two-time US Open quarter-finalist, the Argentine cherished his appearance at the final Major of 2024 and gave an emotional speech after losing his final match at Grandstand.

“It’s difficult to speak,” he began through tears. “I’m a guy who cries a lot, not supposed to cry now, I have to be strong, special moments like you see before on the screen once again playing here 11 times in a row, playing in a grand slam in the US Open, I did great but I think the entire crowd today, and all the years before, all the Latin American people, the American people.

“I don’t know why they take care of me too good, every year, I’m not sure if I deserve it or not but I’m really grateful for the whole years.”

Schwartzman came through three qualifying matches to set up a first-round clash with Monfils, another veteran of the ATP Tour, in his 11th consecutive main draw appearance at Flushing Meadows.

There are still six months until he officially quits tennis, but Schwartzman is ready for the next chapter of his life. “I’m making the decision to stop,” he told the ATP prior to facing Monfils. “I’m very happy with that. No injury, no nothing. Okay, I decided to because I’m tired, because I’m feeling like I cannot be the competitor I’ve been before.

“And for me, it’s great. Now playing the main draw in the last Grand Slam, after three qualies I lost this year in the Grand Slams, it’s good.”

Even in defeat, Schwartzman was able to add to his many memories at the US Open with the Grandstand crowd on his feet to wish the 32-year-old well in retirement, prompting the Argentine to burst into tears as he bid them farewell.

Schwartzman will officially depart tennis in February at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, his home event.