Former footballer Diego Forlan has been in preparation to make his first professional tennis debut after retiring from football. The ex-footballer was one of the best of his time and has played for several big clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Inter Milan. He was the best player at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was one of the only players who could control the controversial ball ‘Jabulani’. After retiring from professional football, Forlan announced that he will be heading towards pro-tennis and will be making his debut at the Uruguay open. 

Forlan made his debut at the Uruguay open but it did not go like he would have wanted. The former footballer along with his doubles partner Federico Coria lost his pro-debut at the Uruguay open. 

Diego Forlan Makes Pro-Tennis Debut At The Uruguay Open 

Former soccer star Diego Forlán’s newfound career in professional tennis started with a doubles loss Wednesday at the Uruguay Open.

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The 45-year-old Forlán and Federico Coria of Argentina lost 6-1, 6-2 to Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos in the first round of the ATP’s second-tier challenger tour.

Forlan Gets Wildcard Entry To The Uruguay Open

Forlán and Coria were granted wild-card entries to play doubles in the tournament.

The Uruguayan striker retired from soccer in 2019 after playing with top clubs such as Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. Forlán was the 2010 World Cup’s best player and joint highest scorer; and netted twice in the 2011 Copa America final to help Uruguay win its first continental trophy in 16 years. 

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For the past five years, Forlán has taken part in amateur master’s tennis tournaments, and had some success that earned him the invitation to play in Uruguay’s biggest professional tournament. 

(With AP Inputs)