Diego Forlán Swaps Football for Tennis at ATP Challenger Debut

Former Uruguay football star Diego Forlán will debut in professional tennis when he competes in doubles at an ATP Challenger event with Federico Coria. The tournament is set for November 11 at the Uruguay Open, and marks Forlán's transition from soccer to tennis after retiring in 2019.

Diego Forlán, the former Uruguay football icon, is set to make an unexpected career shift next month by entering the world of professional tennis. Known for his soccer prowess, Forlán will debut in an ATP Challenger event by playing doubles.

The 45-year-old ex-striker, who hung up his soccer boots in 2019, will partner with Argentina's Federico Coria at the clay courts of the Uruguay Open. Tournament officials have confirmed the event's starting date as November 11.

Forlán, who previously dazzled on the football field for clubs such as Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, explained his lifelong connection to tennis, inspired by his father, Pablo Forlán. Despite retiring from soccer, Forlán has been active in ITF Masters tournaments since last year.

(With inputs from agencies.)