Ex-soccer star Diego Forlan played doubles at the Uruguay Open last week with Federico Coria. If the pair was soundly beaten (6-1, 6-2), the result was secondary for the Uruguayan.
In a long interview for Eurosport, Diego Forlan looked back in more detail on his first experience in a professional tournament.
The former football player spoke of his feelings after playing the first professional match of his career: “It was just fun. From the start, we knew it was going to be very difficult.
But we were focused on playing together and spending this moment in the best way possible.
The public was present, the stadium was full. For my part, it will remain an excellent memory. Playing at a professional level, even if it's just once, is a huge privilege. »
At 45 years old, Forlan competes in ITF tournaments which allow him to practice at a competitive level a sport that he greatly appreciates.
The Uruguayan, who considers himself to have “a very good slice” and “preferring clay”, does not put pressure on himself for his next events: “To qualify for a professional tournament, I would need ATP points, but I can't win any. It will depend on whether I am invited or not.
The most important thing is to continue playing at ITF level. I'm in the over 45 category and I'm having fun.
And if I really want to come back to a professional tournament, I will do it as a spectator, that's also very nice. »
