Fernando Belasteguín puts an end to his legendary career after 30 years of domination in padel. With 230 titres6 world championships, and exceptional longevity at the top of the rankings, Bela leaves the courts leaving an indelible mark. A look back at his final match and the notable moments of the Milan tournament, where the past rubbed shoulders with the future of padel.
Fernando Belasteguín pulls his respect: 30 years, 230 titles, an eternal imprint on padel
After three decades in the field, Fernando Belasteguínemblematic figure of padel and former world number 1, played his last professional match. With an impressive track record of 230 titressix world championships and an unprecedented 16 years of domination at the top of the rankings, “Bela” puts an end to a career that marked the history of sport. His final meeting, alongside Really Libaak against Javier Garrido et Lucas Bergaminiwas a vibrant tribute to his career. As combative as ever, Bela leaves the stage leaving an unforgettable legacy.
“I am very happy, very serene,” said the player nicknamed “El Boss” after his last match. “I had the chance to conclude 30 years of professional career in my own way, whereas, often, sport stops you before you decide to. I feel at peace; It’s incredible to have my family and my team by my side. I gave it my all, and this feeling surpasses even that of having been number one for so many years.”
Lucas Bergamini wins his place for the Finals
Belasteguín's farewell match was also crucial for Lucas Bergaminiwho was playing his qualification for the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Finals. “It's incredible that the most important match of my life was against Bela, here in Milan. Today is his moment,” confided the Brazilian after the meeting.
His teammate of the day, Javier Garridoexpressed his gratitude: “Since the first day I held a padel racket, I wanted to be like Fernando Belasteguín. Congratulations on all you have accomplished, for what you have taught us, and most importantly, for inspiring so many children around the world.”
Pablo Cardona qualified for the FIP Race Finals
Thanks to a victory alongside Paquito Navarro facing Sanyo Gutierrez et Jose Diestrocombined with the defeat of Alex Ruiz et Alex Arroyothe young Spaniard Pablo Cardona secures a place for the last tournament of the season in Barcelona.
Camong the women, a close fight for the last qualifying place
The women's competition remains open, with Aranzazu Osoro, Alejandra Alonso et Tamara Icardo still in the running to win the last ticket of the Race Finals. Tomorrow will be decisive, as each will face higher ranked pairs. whole enjoys a slight advantage thanks to its current position in the ranking, which would allow it to advance in the event of a triple defeat of the rivals.
The favorites in force, the young people in the spotlight
For the second day in a row, all the higher-ranked pairs won their matches without conceding a set. However, the performance of the young duo Rama Valenzuela et Paul Hernández against Fede Chingotto et Alejandro Galan attracted attention. By pushing the world number 2 pair to a tiebreak in the first set and to seven games in the second, the two players made an impression for their first participation in the round of 16.
