MONTEVIDEO/STARNBERG, November 14, 2024
Diego Forlan, the former Uruguayan football star, made his debut in a professional tennis tournament on Wednesday evening at the Uruguay Open ATP Challenger Tour event, being held this week at the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club in Montevideo.
Paired with Argentine Federico Coria, Forlan competed against the Bolivian duo Federico Zeballos and Boris Arias. Although Forlan and Coria were defeated 6-1, 6-2 in 47 minutes, the match was a highly anticipated event, drawing a large crowd with tickets sold out in advance.
“We knew that Federico Zeballos hits hard and often cross-court, but knowing I don’t have the level of a professional, he aimed at me and played to the body. It was expected; I caught a few, but others were too fast,” Forlan said in his post-match press conference.
Forlan magic touch, just like the World Cup 2010 #ATPChallenger | @DiegoForlan7 pic.twitter.com/LivsUEV8XK
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) November 14, 2024
The 45-year-old Montevideo native praised his partner, Coria, acknowledging, “It’s not easy having an amateur as a teammate. It was a wonderful experience.” As for pursuing a professional tennis career, he clarified, “No, my focus is on playing ITF tournaments in the over-45 category.”
He expressed gratitude to the crowd and to the tournament director, Diego Perez, for the opportunity to play. Among the spectators was former Uruguayan national team member Diego Lugano, who shared memorable times with Forlan on the field.
Forlan is regarded as one of the best forwards of his generation. He is a two-time winner of both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe at club level. With the Uruguay national team, he had notable individual success at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, finishing as joint top scorer with five goals, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
