Diego Forlan realised a dream on Thursday morning as he made his professional tennis debut alongside Argentina’s Federico Coria before a home crowd at the Uruguay Open. However, the former Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan striker won just three games during a heavy defeat that lasted 49 minutes.
Forlan was a promising youth tennis player before committing to his football career and pursued his passion for the court after hanging up his boots in 2019.
He has been making headlines on the ITF senior circuit since his football retirement, winning the doubles title at the ITF 1000 in Lima earlier this year.
Forlan received a wildcard for the Uruguay Open in Montevideo, joining world No. 78 Coria in the first round against Bolivian pair Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos.
But his dream soon transpired into a nightmare in front of a supportive home crowd as Arias and Zeballos’ quality proved too much in a 6-1 6-2 victory at the ATP Challenger event.
The 2010 World Cup’s Player of the Tournament was in action for less than an hour at Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club, serving for three games but being broken each time.
He did produce a level of tennis that bodes well for his career on the ITF senior circuit, though, wowing with his net play and strong left-handed forehands, despite using his right foot as a footballer.
And Forlan made sure to focus on the positives of the situation after the crushing defeat, admitting: “I know my limitations.”
The Uruguayan football icon added: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play with Fede; it’s not easy for him to enter these tournaments with an amateur beside him.
“I hadn’t even imagined, let alone dreamed of this. It’s wonderful to have played against professionals—it takes courage to do it.”
Forlan unsurprisingly received a roaring ovation as he entered and left the clay court from a strong home attendance.
“I’ll take with me a few volleys, a good smash, and some forehands during the exchanges. Overall, I’m pleased,” he continued.
“There was a big crowd, which you don’t always see in tennis. I used to experience it in football, playing in front of 60,000 people, but in that sport is normal for me, not here.
“The atmosphere on this court that I love so much was incredible; my friends, my family were here.
“It was very special, and I enjoyed it,” he said. I felt like a tennis player for a moment.”
Forlan is now focusing on the ITF senior tour, eyeing tournaments in the over-45 category.
The 17-goal United star added: “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, travelling, and enjoying it.”
