Diego Forlan and Ruud van Nistelrooy helped Manchester United win the 2002-03 Premier League title – and played against each other on the tennis court.
A New Chapter for a Football Icon
In a surprising turn of events, former footballing legend Diego Forlan has made a remarkable transition to tennis, making his ATP debut at the age of 45. The Uruguayan, renowned for his illustrious career with clubs like Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, has proven that his athletic prowess extends beyond the football pitch.
So when Manchester United strikers Diego Forlan and Ruud van Nistelrooy faced each other on a tennis court at Nike’s HQ in Portland during a 2003 pre-season tour, there was tension.
Sir Alex Ferguson and their United team-mates were watching. Fergie had apparently put money on Forlan winning the pre-training tie-break tussle.
“Everyone wanted to see who was going to win. I had all the pressure,” remembers 45-year-old Forlan, who is gearing up for a professional tennis debut in his native Uruguay next month.
A Glimpse into Diego Forlan Football Legacy
Before his foray into tennis, Forlan etched his name in football history with his exceptional talent and goal-scoring prowess. His time at Manchester United, in particular, was a highlight of his career. During his stint at Old Trafford, Forlan showcased his clinical finishing abilities, scoring crucial goals and contributing to the club’s success.
Forlan’s impact on Manchester United extended beyond his goal-scoring exploits. His passion, dedication, and leadership qualities made him a beloved figure among fans. His ability to thrive under pressure and deliver in big moments solidified his status as a true legend at the club.
Forlan won club trophies at United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Internacional and Penarol during his 21-year career. Perhaps the biggest accolade came when he was named the best player of the 2010 World Cup, where Uruguay finished fourth.
Diego Forlan Transition to Tennis
After retiring in 2019, external, Forlan had more time for tennis. Focusing on the fitness and social benefits, he played with friends in the Montevideo club league.
His competitive spirit was sparked and, in 2023, the left-hander made his ITF Masters Tour debut. Now he is ranked 113th in the world in the over-45s category.
A greater reward came when he was given a wildcard into the Uruguay Open doubles on the ATP Challenger Tour – the tier below where Novak Djokovic et al compete.
“If you asked me when I was playing football if I was going to play on the ATP Tour, I would not have imagined it,” said Forlan, who counts Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl and Goran Ivanisevic among his idols.
“I didn’t know if I was going to play tennis even though it was a sport I really liked.”
‘Maradona was not the reason why I chose football’
Forlan’s professional debut promises to be a sentimental affair, taking place at his boyhood club in the Uruguayan capital where he spent hours in his youth.
Boasting red-clay courts and grass football pitches, the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club allowed young Diego to indulge in both loves.
Football took precedence in his teenage years, with a path into professionalism opening up at Independiente.
Uruguayan media once claimed Forlan chose football because it provided greater financial support for his older sister Alejandra. A car crash in 1991, which killed her boyfriend, left her paralysed.
Another theory was an appearance from Maradona in a fundraising game for Alejandra persuaded Forlan to pursue football.
Forlan smiles about the encounter with the Argentina legend, who also played tennis with the family in Carrasco. He still cherishes a photograph of Maradona’s visit.
But the truth is more simple. Training sessions for the two sports clashed. So Forlan followed his father Pablo and grandfather Juan Carlos Corazzo – both Uruguay internationals – into football.
It is hard to argue he did not make the right move.