Ahead of the Uruguay Open, the organizers of the ATP Challenger event made a significant announcement. After weeks of social media buzz focusing on a single participant, the date for an anticipated match was finally set, and tickets went on sale: “Prepare for a night to remember at the Uruguay Open,” they proclaimed. It’s highly unusual for a first-round match in the Challenger or Futures circuit to garner enough attention to prompt organizers to plan its timing in advance. In doubles, which typically draws little to no crowd, this is nearly unprecedented. But this isn’t an ordinary match. On Wednesday at 10am local time, following extensive publicity, interviews, and hype, Diego Forlán, the former football star for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and Inter, will make his professional tennis debut alongside Federico Coria of Argentina in Montevideo.
Forlán’s tennis journey began in his childhood. He grew up playing both tennis and football, training at the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club, the venue for the Uruguay Open. When it came time to choose a sport, Forlán followed in the footsteps of his father, Pablo, and maternal grandfather, Juan Carlos Corazzo, both of whom represented Uruguay internationally, by opting for football. Since retiring from football, Forlán has returned to tennis, training four to five times a week under the guidance of Enrique Pérez Cassarino, the former Uruguay Davis Cup captain. Despite being right-footed in football, the 45-year-old is a left-hander on the tennis court. Last year, he began competing on the ITF Masters Tour, participating in five tournaments. He’s had some success, particularly in the 45+ category, reaching a final in August and climbing to No 101 in the age-group rankings.
This unique appearance on the professional circuit is thanks to the persistence of Uruguayan tennis player Ignacio Carou. After repeatedly urging Forlán to compete on the lower Futures circuit, Carou decided to pair Forlán with Coria. “[Now] we are here, trying to see what it will be,” Forlán says with a smile. The gap between the ATP Challenger tour, where many players are on the cusp of breaking into the highest level, and the amateur 45+ Masters Tour is vast. While it will be a spectacle to see a football legend in action, Forlán will face significant challenges on the court.
“I’m far from those guys,” he admits. “For me, everything is positive. Playing with professionals, even just for one game, is a unique experience. I know it’s difficult, but I will enjoy it.” The event also highlights a unique aspect of tennis: Open truly means open. Anyone can enter a professional tournament if they receive a wildcard or if the entry cutoff is low enough, provided they complete the necessary forms and join the anti-doping pool. This openness is exemplified by Gail Falkenberg, a 77-year-old who competed regularly in singles on the ITF World Tennis Tour as recently as last year, won a match, and faced Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend in professional matches.
Forlán may not be a beginner, but his appearance on the tour will be challenging. He will face the fourth seeds, Federico Zeballos and Boris Arias, doubles specialists ranked 109. Forlán’s illustrious football career contrasts sharply with his opponents’ modest experiences as professional athletes. The Bolivian pair have earned $35,919 (£28,082) each in 2024 after 11 months of traveling and competing worldwide. This is a serious endeavor for them, and they will likely target Forlán to advance. Unlike Paolo Maldini, who transitioned from football to tennis by competing in a Milan ATP Challenger event in 2017 at 49 years old alongside his 46-year-old coach Stefano Landonio, losing 6-1, 6-1, Forlán will have a strong partner in Coria.
Coria, the younger brother of former No 3 Guillermo Coria, is 32 years old, ranked No 101 in singles, and the third seed in the singles draw. Coria runs a popular vlog documenting his life on tour. With a doubles ranking of 413 and a 2-9 record in doubles this year, this match won’t impact his career aspirations, but the YouTube content will be captivating.
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