Diego Forlan Set to Debut Professionally in Tennis at 45
Diego Forlan, a former football star known for his successful career with clubs like Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, is gearing up to make his professional tennis debut at the age of 45. The Uruguayan athlete is scheduled to participate in the Uruguay Open in November, marking a significant shift from his illustrious footballing days.
Following his retirement from professional football in 2018, Forlan has dedicated himself to honing his tennis skills, even venturing into the ITF Masters tour starting in July 2023. The ITF Masters tour caters to players aged 30 and above, providing them with valuable competitive experience. Forlan’s upcoming challenge includes an ATP Challenger appearance, teaming up with Federico Coria in the doubles event at Montevideo with a wildcard entry.
Federico Coria, aged 30, boasts an impressive tennis career, having achieved a career-best singles ranking of No. 49 on the ATP tour in February 2023. With six ATP Challenger singles titles under his belt, Coria is a formidable partner for Forlan in the upcoming tournament. Additionally, Coria has clinched one doubles title and reached a career-high doubles ranking of No. 238 in 2021, highlighting his proficiency on the court.
Forlan’s transition to professional tennis follows his coaching stints post-football retirement, where he briefly managed clubs like Penarol and Atenas in his native Uruguay. Having a deep-rooted connection to Penarol, the club where he began his football journey as a youth player in the early 1990s and later played professionally from 2015 to 2016, Forlan brings a wealth of sporting experience to his new venture in professional tennis.
Stay tuned to witness Diego Forlan’s remarkable journey as he embarks on a new chapter in the world of sports, showcasing his versatility and passion across different disciplines.