AC Milan star Paolo Maldini falls in ATP debut

Former soccer star Paolo Maldini, who shined for AC Milian and Italy, did not do quite as well in his professional debut on the tennis court just a day after his 49th birthday. On Tuesday, Maldini and his coach, Stefano Landonio, fell in the first round of the Milan ATP Challenger to Tomasz Bednarek and David Pel, 6-1, 6-1, in 42 minutes.

"It was like writing a poem after studying years of maths," Maldini said. “I didn't expect I'd be able to experience something like this at the age of 49. Ironically, on the very first point of the match I pulled a muscle.”

At least Maldini could say that he once competed at a professional level in multiple sports. He and Landonio had earned a wildcard into the event.

It was unrealistic to expect Maldini and Landonio to seriously challenge their opponents. Bednarek has been ranked as high as No. 44 in doubles, while Pel achieved a singles career-high of No. 190 last November. Landonio was once as high as No. 975 in the world in singles, but is now 46 years old.

"It was a unique and unrepeatable experience,” Maldini said. “I have lived it as a game and there will be no other experience like this. We could have played better on a few points, but no problem. It could have ended 6-0, 6-3, we lost 6-1, 6-1 and that's fine."

Their opponents certainly appreciated the experience of playing against one of the greatest defenders in soccer history.

“It was amazing to play against him. It was a bit strange, distracting at first, but we knew we were much better,” Pel said. “He was good, but not at our level. It was fun, but we were professional.”

Another former soccer star, Clarence Seedorf, who won the Champions League with three different teams, was in attendance as well.

The big question is, will this just be the start of a new career for Maldini?

"I would say no,” he told reporters.

At least it was fun while it lasted.

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