Forlan, who was granted a wildcard entry to the tournament, quickly found himself outmatched. The match began competitively, with both teams holding
Diego Forlan, the celebrated former football star known for his stints at Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, made his highly anticipated debut in professional tennis this week at the Uruguay Open in Montevideo. Unfortunately, despite the buzz surrounding his return to competitive athletics, the 45-year-old experienced a quick defeat in his doubles match, losing 6-1, 6-2 in a mere 47 minutes. Teaming up with Argentine Federico Coria, Forlan went up against the Bolivian pair of Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos in a first-round match on the ATP Challenger Tour, which is the second-tier professional circuit beneath the prestigious ATP Tour.
Forlan, who was granted a wildcard entry to the tournament, quickly found himself outmatched. The match began competitively, with both teams holding serve through the first two games. However, Arias and Zeballos managed to break the serve of Forlan and Coria in the third game, gaining control of the first set. After that, the Bolivian duo did not look back, showcasing better court coverage and a significant advantage in both serving and returning. The second set unfolded similarly, as Forlan and Coria struggled to break their opponent's serve or pose any serious threat. Despite his competitive spirit, Forlan's lack of match fitness was apparent, making his return to tennis after a lengthy football career seems too challenging against such an experienced professional pair.
It is important to acknowledge that Forlan, despite his impressive football background, also has a history in tennis. In his younger days, he was a talented junior player, demonstrating significant promise before his football career took centre stage. After hanging up his boots, Forlan resumed playing tennis, gradually participating more frequently in local club leagues in Montevideo and making his entry into the ITF Masters Tour in 2023. His return to the sport has sparked fans' interest, with this Challenger debut marking his first significant step into professional doubles.
The match clearly illustrated the competitive nature of the ATP Challenger Tour, where Forlan's lack of recent match experience became evident. Despite the challenges he faced on the court, the support from the local crowd remained strong. Forlan's devoted fans cheered him on vigorously, and the former star took the time to interact with them following the match, taking photos and expressing his gratitude for their support. Although the outcome was disappointing, Forlan's bravery in transitioning from football to tennis, alongside the unwavering support of his local fans, truly highlights his character and passion for sports.
