Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlán, renowned for his illustrious football career, has ventured into professional tennis at the age of 45.
The Uruguayan made his debut in the doubles category at the Uruguay Open in Montevideo, teaming up with a local player. Despite a valiant effort, Forlán and his partner suffered a swift defeat, losing 6-1, 6-2 in just 47 minutes.
Forlán’s transition to tennis has been viewed as a testament to his athletic versatility and determination. Speaking ahead of the tournament, he expressed excitement about pursuing his passion for tennis post-retirement from football.
However, his debut highlighted the challenging nature of competing at a professional level, especially against seasoned tennis players.
The match was warmly received by fans, many of whom admired Forlán’s courage to step out of his comfort zone and try a new sport on such a significant platform.
Forlán’s legacy as a two-time Golden Boot winner and a key figure in Uruguay’s 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign remains intact, and his tennis debut has added an unexpected chapter to his sporting story