Today will not be another day in the successful career of the best exponent of padel in history. The defeat of Fernando Belasteguin pairing with Juan Tello 6-3 and 6-1 against the couple made up of Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia remained in the background because this presentation sealed the farewell of Bella with his audience in Premier Padel developed in Mar del Plata. He former world number 1 for 16 years He leaves a legacy to which he will put his full stop at the end of 2024.
With just a few months left until his retirement from professionalism, Belasteguin went out to the sports center Falkland Islands to experience an authentic celebration on the only date of the world tour held in the country. At the end of the meeting, the native of Pehuajó broke down crying before the hot breath of the spectators. “Olé, olé, Bela…”was sung on all sides of the redoubt to pay homage to the one who took the national flag to the highest point.
The current number 9 in the world ranking thanked the demonstrations of affection and seconds later He hid his tears behind one of his arms. The emotion of Fernando Belasteguin was revealed when it was seen in the foreground of the official transmission made by the platform Star+. In a few moments, He retired from the court after losing in the quarterfinals.
In statements released by The graphic, said: “For me it is a story. My last tournament in Argentina is in Mar del Plata, in the city where I made my professional debut, in February 1995, when I was 15 years old. I was very scared. I spent four months, the first four months of my last year as a professional, very afraid. I had a bad time; My elbow was bad, then I broke my calf, I was afraid of missing this tournament. When I arrived I took off a very heavy backpack.”.
He then revealed his last wish to participate in the World Cup, which will be held in Qatar. from October 28 to November 2 and in which Argentina is the current champion in the men’s branch: “There are four months left for the World Cup. Four and a bit months. I’m going to break my heart like I always have. If I don’t get to go, I hope the coaching staff at least has doubts.. If they take me it would be awesome. These are four months in which I will continue to take care of myself to improve and take advantage of the partner I have at my side. We’ll see”.
* The words of Agustín Tapia
His rival and former teammate in previous times, Agustín Tapia (number 2 in the world), left him a complimentary message: “Bella it’s padel. Since I have known this sport, it is the best. What can I say about him? For me, it’s still the best. I was lucky to share the court with him, to live day to day with him. I learned a lot, words don’t come out. Today’s game seemed like just another one, but when you enter the field you realize that it isn’t. My legs were shaking. It became difficult for me. I thank you. Now, fire him the way he deserves.”.
Fernando Belasteguín fulfilled 45 years last May 19 and the best possible gift was given to his people. Hours ago, he had expressed the importance of this competition to say goodbye to his compatriots on a field in dialogue with ESPN: “For the first time in my career I was afraid of not making it to this tournament. He had been suffering from injuries and pain for four and a half months.”
Furthermore, he explained the reason for his goodbye: “Last year I made the decision that it would be my last year as a professional, because I saw myself being competitive for another year. I could play a couple more seasons just for money, but It goes against my way of seeing sport, which is to be competitive”.
