In a surprising twist to his sporting career, former football star Diego Forlan is making his professional tennis debut this November at the age of 45.
The ex-Manchester United and Uruguay forward, known for his prowess on the football pitch, is stepping onto a different court as he prepares to compete in the Uruguay Open.
Who will Diego Forlan teams up with for Uruguay Open?
Forlan, who once dazzled fans with his footballing skills at Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, will now pair with Argentine tennis player Federico Coria in the men’s doubles event.
The Uruguay Open, starting November 11 in Montevideo, is part of the ATP Challenger Tour. Although not on the main ATP Tour, it promises to be a competitive event, with Coria ranked No. 101 in the world.
After retiring from football in 2018, Forlan rekindled his love for tennis, a sport he enjoyed as a child. “I’m doing it because I like tennis,” Forlan said in an interview. “It gives me that adrenaline I used to feel on the football pitch.”
Forlan, who plays left-handed with an aggressive baseline style, has been active in senior tennis tournaments, often practicing at the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club in Montevideo.
Diego Forlan, a former footballer for Manchester United, Uruguay, and Atletico Madrid, will make his professional tennis debut this November at the age of 45.@jameskhansen has more ⤵️https://t.co/JEhLLGkcCY pic.twitter.com/orWZ6XzBXs
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 22, 2024
Though better known for his Golden Ball-winning performance at the 2010 World Cup, Forlan is proving that his talents extend beyond football.
His competitive spirit and passion for tennis are set to shine in his professional debut, and fans will be eager to see how he performs in this new chapter of his athletic career.
Diego Forlan, a football legend, is now gearing up to impress on the tennis court — showing that it’s never too late to pursue a second sporting passion.
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