Diego Forlan is best known for his skills on the football pitch but the former Uruguayan international is making headlines in the world of tennis this week.
The 45-year-old made his main draw debut on the ATP Challenger Tour on Wednesday at the Uruguay Open in Montevideo where he competed in the doubles draw alongside Argentina’s Federico Coria. The duo, who were handed a wildcard into the tournament, were on the court for less than 50 minutes after losing 6-1, 6-2, to Bolivia’s Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos.
Forlan was a promising junior tennis player before embarking upon a 20-year football career which included a two-year stint with Manchester United between 2002 and 2004. He also played for Villarreal CF, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. During his international career, he represented Uruguay at three World Cups and three Copa Americas. At the 2010 World Cup, he scored five goals which was the joint-highest of the competition with three other players. Overall, he made 112 appearances for his country, scoring 36 goals across all forms of competition.
In recent years Forlan returned to playing tennis which opened the door for him to make his ATP debut this week. Since last summer he has played in five ITF Masters events.
“It is not something I had imagined or dreamed of, but I am grateful for the opportunity,” he said after playing his first match on the Challenger tour.
Forlan revealed his decision to play in this week’s event was influenced by fellow tennis player Ignacio Carou who is currently ranked 341st in the world.
“Through the initiative of Nacho, who had insisted that I play, and Fede (Coria) who accepted, the opportunity to play and have the privilege of playing in a professional tournament arose,” Forlan explained.
“I prepared myself so that, at least, I wouldn’t have such a bad time and could enjoy myself, and that’s what I did.
“I’m really grateful to all the people who came, they filled the stadium, I hope they enjoyed themselves a little with Zeballos and Arias who are two great tennis players. I hope they enjoyed some nice tennis.”
Forlan is unsure if his Challenger debut was a one off or if he plans to try and enter into similar events in the future.
“I felt like a tennis player for a moment,” claytennis.com quoted Forlan as saying.
“I know I have opportunities to play ITF tournaments in the +45 category, which is where I’ve been competing. The plan is to keep at it, with people from Lawn Tennis, friends, traveling, and enjoying it.”
