2010 World Cup hero Diego Forlan set to make professional tennis bow at 45

2010 World Cup hero Diego Forlan set to make professional tennis bow at 45

Eric Munene 17:00 - 23.10.2024

The former Manchester United forward is set to finally go professional as a tennis player.

Retired football icon Diego Forlan, known for his illustrious career with Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan, is gearing up to make his professional tennis debut at the upcoming Uruguay Open.

At 45, Forlan is proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passions.

Forlan, celebrated for his prowess on the soccer field, has made a name for himself in the world of tennis since he hung up his boots in 2019.

His accolades in soccer include two Pichichi Trophies, two European Golden Shoes, and the prestigious Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup, where he was recognized as the tournament's best player and top scorer.

However, Forlan's love for tennis has been a lifelong passion. After retiring from soccer, he began competing on the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour in July 2023, where he has quickly showcased his talent, boasting an impressive 73% win rate with a record of 8-3 this year.

Notably, he reached the quarterfinals of an MT1000-level event in Lima and secured a spot in the final at an M400-level tournament in Asuncion.

“I like to challenge myself in life,” Forlan shared in a press interview earlier this year. “This is a different sport for me, and I really enjoy the challenge of competing against very good players from different countries. Off the court, it’s been wonderful to meet new people and travel; these are aspects of the tour that I enjoy a lot.”

Now, Forlan is set to take the next step in his tennis journey. He has received a main draw wild card into the ATP Challenger event, one level below the ATP Tour, where he will partner with Argentina’s Federico Coria in the doubles category.

The tournament will be held from November 11-17 at the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club in Montevideo.

The tournament’s social media accounts have been buzzing with excitement, with one post stating, “Yes, our No. 10 is smashing it in tennis too!” Coria even chimed in, declaring them the “team of the year” in the comments.

As Forlan prepares for his debut, fans of both football and tennis are eager to see how this sports legend will adapt to his new challenge.

With former singles champions like Juan Martin del Potro, Diego Schwartzman, and Pablo Cuevas gracing the event in the past, the Uruguay Challenger promises to be an exciting platform for Forlan to showcase his skills and passion for the game.

Forlan’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to chase one’s dreams, regardless of the sport.