The day of Fernando Belasteguin’s last professional match in Argentina has arrived. Paired with Juan Tello, Bela was defeated 6-3, 6-1 by the top two ranked players, Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia. However, the fans at the Polideportivo Islas Malvinas were all for him, many in tears, standing to pay tribute to one of the best players of all time.
The Emotional Evening
Experiencing such an evening was overwhelming for both Belasteguin and the fans. Bela himself described it as a mix of emotions: “I lost, but inside I have a feeling of calm,” he said. “I started playing in Mar del Plata in 1995, and now, after 30 years, I’m playing my last tournament here. My best memories? Every time I’ve been here with my family. There’s not much time during the year to do that, and when you have the feeling of being a father, you start to understand many things.”
In the previous two matches of the Mar del Plata Premier Padel P1, Belasteguin had already been the most acclaimed player. On the court, he had repaid the fans with two marathons, each lasting three sets. His gratitude was evident: “I will never finish thanking the people and the fans for the respect I received. I will thank them one by one. During your career, you can make mistakes, and I’ve made my share, but the people have never stopped showing me love.”
Goals Beyond Argentina
While Bela’s career in Argentina may be over, there are still many goals ahead before he bids farewell to padel. He aims to participate in tournaments on the Premier Padel circuit and the FIP World Padel Championships in Doha. With four months left, he’s determined to give his all: “I will continue to train as I have always done, and if I don’t get called up, I hope to at least give the coaches a chance to doubt.”
Belasteguin remains an icon and an example for young players. His work ethic and dedication have left a lasting impact on the sport. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “The only thing I know about progress in life is working: there is no ball that pays for the feeling of having worked every day of your life.” His decisions, both good and bad, have shaped his career, and he’s content with where the sport of padel has come.
As padel continues to evolve, much of the credit goes to Fernando Belasteguin. His legacy will inspire generations to come, and his farewell in Mar del Plata will forever be etched in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Remember, it’s not just about the victories on the court; it’s about the impact you leave behind. Belasteguin’s impact transcends scores and titles—it’s about the love, respect, and memories he created throughout his remarkable journey.
Thank you, Bela, for the great emotions, and may your next chapter be equally inspiring!
