Forlan on his first professional game: "It was just a pleasure".
Former soccer star Diego Forlan played doubles with Federico Coria at the Uruguay Open last week. Although the pair were soundly beaten (6-1, 6-2), the result was of secondary importance to the Uruguayan.
In a lengthy interview for Eurosport, Diego Forlan spoke in more detail about his first experience in a professional tournament.
The former footballer spoke of his feelings after playing the first professional match of his career: "It was nothing but fun. Right from the start, we knew it was going to be very difficult.
But we were focused on playing together and having the best time possible.
The crowd was there, the stadium was full. For me, it's going to remain an excellent memory. Playing at professional level, even if it's just once, is an immense privilege."
At the age of 45, Forlan plays in ITF tournaments, which enable him to play a sport he loves at a competitive level.
The Uruguayan, who considers himself to have "a very good slice" and "prefers clay courts", is not putting any pressure on himself for upcoming events: "To qualify for a professional tournament, I'd need ATP points, but I can't earn any. It depends on whether I'm invited or not.
The most important thing is to keep playing at ITF level. I'm in the over-45 category and I'm enjoying myself.
And if I really want to come back to a professional tournament, I'll do it as a spectator, which is also a lot of fun."
