Diego Forlan’s professional tennis debut ended in a straight-sets defeat after 49 minutes, but that has done little to dampen the enthusiasm of the former Manchester United and Uruguay striker who has vowed to continue fulfilling his passion for the sport on the seniors tour.

The 45-year-old did not look completely out of place in the doubles event at a second-tier ATP Challenger tournament in Montevideo. While his serve and ground strokes lacked the power that regular professionals can generate, his net play was mostly reasonable with quick reflexes on his volleys.

Ultimately, though, Forlan was still well short of the standard required to have a chance of claiming a victory on this competitive circuit. He and his partner Federico Coria, the world No101 from