Diego Forlán to Make Professional Tennis Debut in Uruguay
Former football star Diego Forlán, renowned for his successful career with clubs like Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, is set to make his professional tennis debut at the Uruguay Open, an ATP doubles tournament, from November 11 to 17, 2024. At 45 years old, Forlán will pair with Argentine player Federico Coria, who is currently ranked 101st in men's singles. This event marks a significant transition for Forlán, who retired from football in 2019 after an illustrious career that included winning the Premier League, Copa América, and the Europa League.
Forlán's journey into tennis has been marked by participation in ITF Masters tournaments for players over 45, where he currently holds a world ranking of 108th. The director of the Uruguay Open, Diego López, praised Forlán's dedication to training, stating, "He has been preparing for a long time, training a lot in tennis. I think he deserves this opportunity." This debut will not only showcase Forlán's athletic versatility but also highlight the growing trend of athletes transitioning between sports.
A Legacy of Athleticism
Forlán is not the only football legend to explore tennis; Italian Paolo Maldini made a brief foray into the sport in 2017, although he faced a challenging debut, losing his match decisively. The Uruguayan's dual talent is evident as he has been honing his skills with a racket, even adapting his play style by using his left hand for forehands, despite being right-handed. The organizers of the Uruguay Open expressed excitement about Forlán's participation, calling it an "incredible duo" alongside Coria. As Forlán steps onto the court, he continues to embrace new challenges, reflecting his lifelong passion for sports.
