Diego Forlan, the Uruguayan football icon, is about to embark on an entirely new adventure as he prepares to compete in the ATP Challenger Tour in Montevideo. Once a famous footballer known for his powerful strikes, Forlan will now test his skills in a completely different sport: tennis. As a former star of major clubs like Manchester United, Villarreal, and Atletico Madrid, Forlan has built a reputation and achieved considerable success in football. Yet, the tennis dream he has cherished since his youth will soon be realized.
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The Origins of a Lifelong Passion
Forlan’s journey with tennis began when he was still young. In 1993, as a teenager, he had the chance to play doubles with the legendary Diego Maradona at Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club in Montevideo. This unique experience laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for tennis. “To play both football and tennis alongside Maradona was an incredible experience. He was highly competitive and had a strong fighting spirit,” Forlan shared.
More than 30 years later, Forlan will return to that very same club, but this time as a tennis player. He will compete in the Uruguay Open, an ATP Challenger Tour 100 event taking place from November 11 to 17. Forlan’s doubles partner for this debut will be Federico Coria, an Argentine player currently ranked 104 in the world. The combination of a former football star and a professional tennis player has captivated fans from both sports.
Preparing for the Transition to Tennis
Despite winning two European Golden Shoes and being named the best player of the 2010 World Cup, Forlan has always dedicated time to tennis training. Over the past 15 months, he has participated in five ITF Masters Tour events for players aged 45 and up, reaching his best result in August, when he finished as runner-up in Asuncion, Paraguay. As in football, Forlan has shown professionalism and a strong competitive spirit on the tennis court.
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Forlan is currently training under Enrique Perez-Cassarino, Uruguay’s former Davis Cup captain. His ideal daily routine includes two hours of practice in the morning and then returning to the club in the afternoon to put his skills to the test against friends. In addition to his passion, his dedication to tennis is a significant factor helping him transition from football to this new sport.
An Unyielding Love for Sports
Forlan’s participation in the Uruguay Open is not just a surprising appearance in tennis but a testament to his deep-rooted love for the sport. Even as a footballer, Forlan spent much time watching and practicing tennis. He recalls an occasion in 2003, while playing for Manchester United, when he and teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy organized a tie-break match at Nike headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Although only Forlan served, he demonstrated his skill and managed to win against van Nistelrooy.
Even when not playing, Forlan closely follows professional tennis tournaments, including the ATP Challenger Tour. He fondly remembers watching legendary players like Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and, notably, the 2001 Wimbledon final where Goran Ivanisevic claimed a historic victory over Patrick Rafter.
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New Challenges and the Mindset of a Champion
Though he has reached the pinnacle of football, Forlan understands that tennis presents an entirely new challenge. He plays football with his right foot but is left-handed in tennis, and he has trained to use both hands. Aware that he may not match up to professional tennis players’ level, Forlan remains undeterred and eager to enjoy this unique opportunity.
“If someone had asked me back when I was playing football if I would compete in an ATP tournament, I would have never imagined it,” Forlan said. “Playing against professionals, even in just one match, is already a great privilege. I know it will be difficult facing these professional players, but I have nothing to lose.”
The pairing of Diego Forlan and Federico Coria is more than just a sports event — it’s a story of passion and the drive to grow. At 45, Forlan is savoring every moment with a sport he has long loved. While his tennis career may be a brief adventure, it will undoubtedly be an inspiring journey, demonstrating that age and past achievements don’t limit anyone’s dreams.
Forlan, once a top football star, is now ready to tackle challenges in an entirely different arena. And, as a true champion, he has shown that the love for sports is never exhausted; it simply evolves into new, exciting passions.
