Schwartzman’s ChamPlay Event Raises More Than $275,000

Diego Schwartzman had an unusual weekend, but one that was just as intense as competing on the ATP Tour. The World No. 13 organised the ChamPlay Solidaria charity event, which raised more than $275,000 for the Argentine Red Cross.

On Sunday, it was Schwartzman’s turn to take to the pitch for the FIFA event. He fell in the American Zone final against Boca Juniors player ‘Toto’ Salvio, 1-0.

“It ruined my weekend… all the good things that were happening over the weekend with donations, I don’t like losing,” Schwartzman said, cracking a laugh. “I deserved better, I was ready to win!”

What was different about these two days for the Argentine?

“We always play on the PlayStation amongst ourselves, but playing with so many people watching and being able to help is different… There were a lot of details that were difficult to coordinate online and with everyone being remote, but we achieved the goal of getting a lot of people to donate lots of money, to have a fun weekend at home and to help those that need it the most,” Schwartzman explained.

“I have to thank all the people that participated, my whole family, who did a lot to help. We had fun and a lot of money was raised, both from companies and from people’s contributions. It turned out really well, we were able to help a lot of people and that makes me happy.”

The event was made up of 14 celebrities, including World No. 3 Dominic Thiem, former Argentine star Juan Monaco, and other well-known athletes.

“There was a lot of frustration from those that lost,” Schwartzman said, laughing. “Agüero was really angry, and others drowned their sorrows while they were watching the matches, we really laughed a lot.”

Schwartzman began his run in the event on Sunday with a 3-0 win over singer Paulo Londra, and then a 4-1 victory against the Brazilian Filipe Luis.

“Filipe is a huge football lover, he’s been to Madrid to watch the tournament, he’s friends with Thiem,” Schwartzman said.

“I’m a big fan of ‘El Peque’. I played tennis until I was 14, it’s an incredible sport. It served him mentally, he went behind against me and pulled it back”, said the footballer.

Mónaco also played in ChamPlay on Sunday with one victory, before losing in the semi-finals. The Argentine started with a 2-0 win over singer René before bowing out to the eventual champion, Salvio.
However, the former World No. 10 enjoyed taking part in the event from Miami, where he is residing during this time.

“You have to be generous,” said the man from Tandil. “To me it was nice to join ‘El Peque’’s initiative alongside Paulo.”