Nice shots but a dry defeat… Diego Forlan played his first professional Tennis match

Diego Forlan, former scorer for Atlético de Madrid and Uruguay, played his first professional Tennis match on Wednesday in doubles at the challenger in Montevideo. He bowed sharply despite a few Nice blows.

An expeditious first. Diego Forlan (45) had a rather brutal start on the professional tennis circuit. The former Atlético de Madrid and Uruguay striker played his first match on the doubles challenger circuit on Wednesday in Montevideo. Associated with the Argentinian Federico Coria, he lost sharply (6-1, 6-2) against the Bolivian pair Federico Zeballos and Boris Arias in 50 minutes of play. The former striker, aged 45, was signed some nice gestures like a backhand passing or a smash at the net. He also saved two match points even if this ultimately weighed little in the final result.

“I prepared myself, at least, not to have such a bad time”

The Carrasco Lawn Tennis stadium was packed for this event with the presence of the Uruguayan Sports Secretary, Sebastián Bauzá, entertainment personalities, and even former teammates of Forlan such as Diego Lugano, formerly with PSG. The press box was also crowded with the presence of 90 journalists.

Forlan and his partner, not really a fan of doubles, were no match for much more experienced opponents in the exercise with 14 titles won in doubles, including that of the Asunción Challenger this season. Last season, they failed in the final of the Uruguay Open. Despite this tough opposition, Forlan savored his big debut on the pro circuit encouraged by Ignacio Carou, player of the Uruguayan Davis Cup team.

“At the initiative of Nacho (Carou), who insisted that I play, and Fede (Coria) who accepted, I had this opportunity to play and have the privilege of playing in a professional tournament,” said he confided after the meeting in comments reported by El Pais Uruguay. “I prepared myself, at least, to not have such a bad time and to be able to enjoy it, and that's what I did. So I'm really grateful to all the people who came and filled the stadium. I hope they enjoyed a little with Zeballos and Arias who are two great tennis players, with more certainties than Fede and me. not something I had imagined or dreamed of, but I’m grateful for this opportunity.”