Man Utd cult hero Diego Forlan set to make professional tennis debut at 45 at ATP tournament once won by Grand Slam champion Juan Martin Del Potro

Forlan, who enjoyed an illustrious football career that spanned more than two decades, played for some of the top clubs in Europe, including Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Inter. He also appeared in 112 international matches for Uruguay and played an important role in his team reaching the 2010 World Cup semi-finals and winning the 2011 Copa America.

The Uruguay legend decided to end his football journey in 2018 after last appearing for Hong Kong-based club Kitchee. Post-retirement, Forlan found a new passion in tennis and is now all set to make his professional debut at the Uruguay Open. Interestingly, this was the first ATP Challenger title that Argentine Grand Slam champion Juan Martin del Potro won back in 2005.

A statement from the tournament read: "Attention tennis and sports fans! This year at the Uruguay Open, we have an UNMISSABLE duo in doubles: Argentine tennis player Federico Coria (currently number 78 in the ATP ranking) and former Uruguayan football player Diego Forlan. Yes, our number 10 is smashing it in tennis too! This year, Forlan has competed in more than three +40 tournaments in Montevideo, also standing out in the MT1000 in Lima of the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour.

"Fun fact: Forlán is left-handed at tennis, the opposite of how he played football, and his right-hand stroke is the most powerful. What do you think of this news? Do you have faith in this duo?"

The 45-year-old is set to compete in the men's doubles category alongside Argentine partner Federico Coria, who is currently ranked 101st in singles. The Uruguay Open will be played across six days starting on November 12.