Forlan Ready to Tee Off: “No Proving Needed” at Uruguay Open Debut

Former Uruguayan soccer star Diego Forlan is set to make his long-awaited tennis debut when he teams up with Argentina’s Federico Correa (world number 103) in the 100 Challenger event of the Uruguay Open.

During a press conference at Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club, where the first match will be held, Forlan, a 2010 World Cup semifinalist and Golden Ball winner, shared his thoughts on his first match. He said: “It will be a completely different experience to be on Court 10, with so many of my friends and the faces I see so often. “It is a sport I love, even though I am not as good at it as football. It is a beautiful challenge that life offers. “I enjoy them,” he said.

“I’m preparing as best as I can, but I know I’m not at the level of a professional player. Despite the big age gap, I feel physically good, and this is a different sport. In doubles, you rely on your partner, but I’m trying to be as active as possible. “I will try to have a good time,” he explained.

‘Kacha Bacha’, who took off his uniform at Kichi SC in Hong Kong in 2018, expressed his expectations on the clay court in his hometown. He said: “For me, it’s a luxury, a privilege and a gift. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’m just a former footballer enjoying the sport I’ve been playing since I was young.” “I’m definitely not a professional athlete, and whatever the result, it won’t change how I feel or what I want to do,” he added.

He said of his enjoyment of playing at amateur level in ITF competitions: “To be honest, the level is very high. I am competing in the +45 category with players who have either earned ATP points or are tennis coaches. These days, they are very good physically and technically. “My goal is to continue playing there, but sometimes it’s difficult with travel and family obligations,” he said, adding that the Danubio native has a long history of experience, having recently reached the final of the MT400 event in Asuncion. mentioned.