Diego Schwartzman might not be American, but he was a US Open crowd favourite right to the end.
The diminutive and loveable tennis star played his final grand slam match on Tuesday morning.
He lost 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 to Gael Monfils at Flushing Meadows.
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Schwartzman played his way through qualifying into the main draw for the 11th straight year at the tournament where he twice reached the quarter finals.
Schwartzman, 32, plans to end his career in his native Argentina in February.
Gael Monfils of France talks with Diego Schwartzman of Argentina after their US Open clash. Getty
Standing just 170cm tall, he reached the 2020 Roland-Garros semi finals and ended that year No.9 in the ATP rankings.
He was emotional at the end of his match on Tuesday before being saluted afterward for his success in New York.
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He received a warm embrace from Monfils and a standing ovation from the crowd.
“It’s difficult to speak, you know, I’m a guy who cries a lot,” Schwartzman said.
“Sorry… I’m not supposed to cry now, I have to be strong.
“Once again playing here, 11 times… I did great but I think the entire crowd today, (and) the years before, all the Latin American people here, I don’t know why they take care of me… every year. I’m not sure if I deserve or not.
“But I’m really grateful.
“It’s crazy for me. Since I’m young, I never dreamed of this.
“I finished my career this way, it’s very special and very emotional.”
Schwartzman won four ATP tournaments and his best performances were generally on clay.