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Diego Forlán made his professional debut in his second sport in Uruguay.
Picture: Keystone
Diego Forlán, former football star, experienced his first match as a professional tennis player with a clear defeat, but enjoyed the experience on the court.
Diego Forlán, known for his glittering football career, ventured into new territory and made his debut as a professional tennis player. Despite a clear defeat against the Bolivian doubles team of Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos at the Uruguay Open, the 45-year-old enjoyed the experience. The spectators in Montevideo were thrilled when Forlán produced an impressive volley stop that brought back memories of his soccer skills at the 2010 World Cup.
Forlán teamed up with Federico Coria from Argentina, 13 years his junior, in the doubles. The duo received a wild card for the ATP Challenger Tour tournament, but were unable to secure a win in the first round, losing 1:6, 2:6. Forlán, who had only taken part in amateur tennis tournaments in the past, was nevertheless satisfied with his performance.
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Forlán said that he had enjoyed the game despite the defeat. He was aware of the challenge and prepared himself to make the experience a positive one. He developed a passion for tennis as a child and admired players like Boris Becker. Before his appearance in Montevideo, he said that he often watched Becker on television.
Forlán's sporting career is characterized by success in football. At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, he led Uruguay to the semi-finals and was named best player of the tournament. After spells at renowned clubs such as Manchester United and Atlético Madrid, he ended his football career in 2019. His foray into the world of tennis shows that his passion for the sport is undiminished.
