Schwartzman proves it's time to change his height narrative

Diego Schwartzman didn't walk away with a win against Rafael Nadal on Thursday at Roland Garos, but he left a resounding impression nonetheless. The world No. 12 won a set off the Spaniard, marking the end of Nadal's 37-set win streak in Paris.

Schwartzman would fade after a night-long rain delay, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. But what captured people's attention most of all was Schwartzman's height. He stands at 5'7".

The 25-year-old's height is well within the normal category for males, but on a tennis court, his opponents often tower over him. Every member of the Top 10 is over 6'0", except for David Goffin who is close at 5'11". Five players in the Top 10 are over 6'5". But here's a fun fact: No man over 6'4" has ever been ranked No. 1, with Marat Safin being the tallest No. 1 ever.

At least year's US Open, Schwartzman was the shortest quarterfinalist in 23 years.

"I hope maybe they can understand tennis is for everyone–[it's] not just for the tall guys," Schwartzman said in New York. "Sometimes it's helping a lot if you are big, because you can serve fast, you can do everything fast on the baseline because you have more, the arms are bigger than me.

"But nothing. I was always like this, and I always try to improve my tennis and try to don't think about."

Plagued throughout his career by people telling him he was too small, Schwartzman has proven them wrong. It's due time to change the narrative for a player that's on the very cusp of a Top 10 breakthrough.

Instead, let's talk about his speedy court coverage or his ability to hit winners from pretty much anywhere. Or what about his dogged determination to win, no matter who is across the net—even if it's the King of Clay. He also happens to be the fifth best returner on the tour, according to the ATP's stat rankings.

"I have never entered a court just to enjoy the match. I was always wanting to win," Schwartzman said. "The first matches I played against the top five players, I said it's always a match I can win."

Does he get tired of being asked about his height? Of course—and fans are also tired of hearing about it.

"I don't know why they ask every week, every week, every week, every day. Come on, they know the answer. So why they are asking every time?" Schwartzman said in Paris.  "But it's okay. I mean, I am respect guy, so I always try to do the answer."

While everyone can still respect him for adapting to a tall man's sport, and it's hard not to notice it when he's facing the giants of the game, his stature shouldn't be his leading narrative any longer. He's not "good for a short guy," he's simply good.

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