As a household name among soccer fans, Diego Forlan is widely hailed for his sterling career. Having played for the likes of Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, he’s also a legend to Uruguay fans for his achievements with the national team.
However, the Uruguayan surprised fans by stepping onto the tennis court. Now 45 years old, Forlan is taking on a new challenge in a different sport. His debut in professional tennis has sparked curiosity, bringing attention to the sport in a fresh way.
The Growing Popularity of Tennis Globally
In recent years, tennis has seen a significant rise in popularity in many countries that aren’t ordinarily associated with the game. A lot of this new interest is being driven by the global iGaming market, which has increased online tennis betting exponentially in the last decade. There’s even been an increase in tennis esports, with many betting sites now allowing tennis fans to bet on esports with cryptocurrency. As Michael Graw states, fans can bet on this video game-based tennis using virtual currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. These sites appeal to tennis fans by providing other perks like same-day payouts, attractive bonuses, and quick registration processes so there are plenty of other options for bettors to choose from.
According to New York Magazine, tennis now ranks among the most popular sports to bet on worldwide. This surging interest in tennis aligns well with Forlan’s unexpected entry into the sport. Already an iconic name, many fans are now following his journey on and off the tenni court.
Transitioning from Soccer to Tennis
To soccer fans who only ever knew Forlan as a prolific striker and a very gifted player, it may seem strange and unexpected that he’s now entered professional tennis. However, his dedication to fitness and sport has always been wide-ranging. It’s also been a part of his life since he was a child as he reportedly had a choice to pursue both sports as a youngster but chose soccer.
Forlan is currently preparing for the Uruguay Open and received a wildcard entry to play doubles with the Argentine player Federico Coria who last year achieved his career-best singles ranking as he reached No 49 on the ATP tour. While age will likely be a factor for Forlan, he’s reportedly been working hard and has been competing on the ITF Masters tour since July 2023.
Forlan’s Impact on Tennis in Uruguay
As a sports icon in Uruguay, Forlan’s move into tennis could have a ripple effect on the popularity of the sport in his home country. Uruguay, like much of South America, is deeply rooted in soccer culture. While tennis isn’t as widely followed, the influence of its soccer icons is often far-reaching so it’s more than likely that Forlan will be an inspiration to many young Uruguayan athletes who may not have considered tennis.
Forlan’s debut also brings a new level of visibility to tennis in Uruguay, potentially inspiring the next generation of players. For the sports world in general, Forlan’s change this late on in his career is also inspirational as he’s ripped up the playbook on when athletes are expected to retire.
What Lies Ahead for Forlan in Tennis
Forlan’s tennis journey has just begun, and it’s too early to predict his future in tennis for now. While he is facing a steep learning curve, his athletic background provides a solid foundation and he’s definitely no stranger to competing at a professional level.
Whatever happens, his entry into professional tennis is great for the game and the sports world in general. A consummate professional, his fans will be eagerly anticipating how far he can actually go on his new journey.
