A tough debut on the professional tennis circuit for Diego Forlan. Retired from the football fields since 2019, the best player of the 2010 World Cup was soundly beaten for his first match on the challenger circuit (second division of the circuit, just below the main ATP circuit), Wednesday in Montevideo, 6 -1, 6-2.
Associated with the Argentinian Federico Coria, the former Uruguay striker lost to the Bolivian pair Federico Zeballos and Boris Arias in less than an hour of play. But nothing to dampen the player’s enthusiasm, who spoke following the meeting.
“On the initiative of Nacho, who encouraged me to play, and of Fede (Coria) who accepted, I had the chance to play and have the privilege of participating in a professional tournament,” he rejoiced, as reported by the media El Pais Uruguay. “I prepared myself not to have such a bad time and to have fun, and that’s what I did,” he continued. I hope the audience had a little fun with Zeballos and Arias, two great tennis players, and with Fede and me, and I hope people enjoyed tennis.”
Diego Forlan, left-handed with racket in hand, managed some nice shots, captured by the circuit cameras. Note in particular a smash at the net at the start of the second set or a winning backhand in the middle of the first set. The tournament achieved a great marketing coup since the stadium was full to watch the debut of the 45-year-old former footballer.
Before the meeting, for which he had received an invitation, the Uruguayan had warned his followers. “I try to prepare in the best possible way, but it is clear to me that I am not at the same level as professional players,” he said.
