Former Uruguay soccer star Forlan to make pro tennis debut at 45

The Associated Press ·
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 16: Diego Forlan of South American Panthers celebrates during day 2 of the FIFA Legends Cup at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on December 16, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Cathrin Mueller - FIFA / FIFA / Getty

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Former Uruguay striker Diego Forlán will make his professional tennis debut next month when he plays doubles at an ATP Challenger tournament.

The 45-year-old Forlán will play with Argentina’s Federico Coria at the clay court Uruguay Open, tournament organizers confirmed. It starts Nov. 11.

Forlán, who retired from soccer in 2019, played for Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Internazionale and Penarol.

He helped Uruguay reach the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup and win the Copa America title in 2011.

Forlán has played ITF Masters tournaments since last year. He said his father, Pablo Forlán, who was also a footballer, also played tennis after his retirement.

“He started playing at age 41. That's also why I have played (tennis) since I was 2,” the former Uruguay striker said.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

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