Soccer Legend Diego Forlan to Make Professional Tennis Debut at 45
Diego Forlan, the legendary Uruguayan soccer star, is embarking on a new chapter in his athletic career at the age of 45. After retiring from professional soccer in 2019, Forlan has set his sights on tennis, and is set to make his professional debut at the Uruguay Open next month.
Forlan, who played for renowned clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Manchester United, was one of the most prolific strikers of his generation. He won numerous top scoring awards, including the Pichichi Trophy twice and the European Golden Shoe twice. At the 2010 World Cup, he was named the best player and joint top scorer.
Despite his soccer success, Forlan has always harbored a passion for tennis. Six years after retiring from soccer, he began competing on the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour. This year, he has amassed an impressive 73 percent win rate (8-3), reaching the quarterfinals at an MT1000-level event in Lima and the final at an M400 level in Asuncion.
“I like to challenge myself in life,” Forlan said in a press conference in June. “This is a different sport for me, and I really enjoy the challenge of competing against very good players from different countries.”
Forlan, who is right-footed in soccer but left-handed in tennis, has received a main draw wild card into the ATP Challenger event in Montevideo. He will partner with Argentina’s Federico Coria to make his debut in doubles.
The Uruguay Challenger will take place at the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club from November 11-17. Former singles champions include Juan Martin del Potro, Diego Schwartzman, and Pablo Cuevas.
Forlan’s transition from soccer to tennis is a testament to his unwavering determination and love for sports. At 45, he is proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.