Diego Forlán: From Football Fields to Tennis Courts
Now here’s a headline that’ll make you double-take: Diego Forlán, that Uruguayan footballing marvel, is trading in his soccer boots for a racquet! At the tender age of 45—which, let’s face it, is practically ancient in sports years—he’s decided that the world of tennis needs a sprinkle of Forlán charm, as he gears up for a debut at the Challenger in Montevideo next month. Honestly, if anyone could score a goal with a racquet, it’s this guy!
Forlán, who graced the fields with a staggering 36 goals for the national team and had stints with clubs like Manchester United, Villarreal, and Atlético de Madrid, has accepted an invitation to team up with Argentina’s Federico Coria—who’s younger and ranked higher, so, you know, no pressure!
A Footballer’s Journey to Tennis
Now, if you thought this was just a midlife crisis, hold your judgment. Our man Forlán has dabbled in more than just a casual Sunday league before. He’s played a handful of matches on the ITF senior circuit (that’s the senior level for us non-tennis aficionados). Currently sitting at a not-so-glamorous 744 in the +40 rankings and 108 in the +45 category, it’s safe to say he’s not breaking any records just yet—but hey, it’s the effort that counts, right?
He has competed in eleven clay court matches this year, rocking a respectable record of eight wins and three losses. That’s like scoring a hat trick in tennis! I mean, if anyone’s keeping track of tennis scores like football scores, we might need to call someone.
As for Coria, the 32-year-old ranked 101st in the world, he’s also carving out his niche on YouTube with the channel @fedecoriatenis. I guess if tennis doesn’t work out for Diego, he could always start a vlog called “Forlán’s Failed Sports Adventures.” It would have a certain ring to it, wouldn’t it?
Montevideo: A Challenger Awaits
The Challenger in Montevideo, happening from November 11 to 17, is set to be the most anticipated tennis tournament in the country. And here’s Forlán, stepping onto the court where fans will want to see if he’s got any of that famous football finesse left. Will he serve aces or just serve up a slice of humble pie? Time will tell!
A Man with Many Passions
Speaking of serving—speaking of transitions—our favorite Uruguayan has recently been swaying his clubs instead of a racquet, having participated in the PGA Tour Latin America in May 2023. That’s right, he’s not just putting around; he’s swinging for the greens! Quite the transition for a man who’s dedicated his life to football and now seems to be trying out every sport under the sun.
Diego wasn’t born with a football glued to his foot; no, he was initially all about the white sports until the age of 16. After playing for the Danubio youth team, he made the wise decision to pursue soccer, which ultimately made him an idol in Uruguay and a globally recognized figure. I mean, it’s not like he could have just played a round of golf and become a legend, could he?
His love affair with golf began in England whilst playing for Manchester United—probably to dodge potential injuries. After all, who needs tennis when you can become a two-sport athlete? Can you imagine the amount of wardrobe changes on the tennis court? “A tennis outfit and a golf shirt, please!”
Forlán has stated, “I love all sports.” I’ll tell you what, as he swings between tennis and golf, dodging injuries and the odd existential crisis, the only thing we can hope for is that Ecuador and Quito keep bringing these major tournaments. And if they do, maybe we’ll see him become a juggler next, who knows?
Conclusion
As we gear up for this unprecedented blend of sports, one can’t help but approach it with a bit of laughter and applause. Here’s to Diego Forlán, a true Renaissance man—forever scoring goals, even if they’re on a completely different field. Whether he conquers the tennis court or not, he’s already won our hearts by showing us it’s never too late to embrace a new passion. Now, if only we could all look that good swinging a racquet at 45!
The former Uruguayan soccer player Diego Forlanwho was part of the national team, will make his debut in the world of tennis professional next November at the Challenger in Montevideo. At 45 years old, Forlán will compete alongside Federico Coria in what will be his first tournament in this sport.
Forlán, who scored 36 goals for Uruguay and played for Manchester United, Villarreal and Atlético de Madrid among others, has received an invitation along with Coria to play in the doubles draw.
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Forlán, from footballer to tennis player
The charrúa He has played several matches on the ITF senior circuit, for people over thirty years old, and occupies the position 744 in the ranking in the +40 category and 108 in the +45 category.
In 2024 he has played eleven games, all on clay, with a record of eight wins and three losses.
Coria, 32 years old, is number 101 in the ranking and also has a YouTube channel, under the name @fedecoriatenis, in which he shows the life of a professional tennis player.
He Challenger de Montevideo It is the most important tennis tournament in the country and takes place from November 11 to 17.
A man with many passions
Previously, in May 2023, The Uruguayan Diego Forlán arrived in Quito to compete in the PGA Tour Latin America in a new facet as a golfer.
This new experience was not foreign to the Uruguayan, since during his football career he also practiced other disciplines, although not professionally. First he found tennis and then golf.
Until he was 16, he dedicated himself to white sports along with soccer, which he played in the Danubio youth team. When deciding, he opted for the activity that would make him an idol in Uruguay and world football figure.
He golf discovered it in England when it was transferred to the Manchester United. There he began his practice and, as a precaution against potential injuries, he gave it priority over tennis.
“I love all sportsI have had the opportunity to play them and it is good that Ecuador and Quito have an exhibition of such a prestigious tournament. I hope it continues in this way and they open in other spaces in Latin America,” he said in a function of his connection with golf and the competition in which he will participate.
