Player Profile: Bela

f you're a fan of padel, there's one name that undoubtedly stands out among the legends of the sport: Fernando Belasteguin, affectionately known as Bela. Born on May 19, 1979, in Pehuajó, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, Belasteguin has made an indelible mark on the world of professional padel. With an impressive list of achievements and records, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest padel players in history.

Belasteguin's style of play is dominant, particularly in the backhand position alongside his partner, Mike Yanguas. As a right-handed player, his signature shot is the lob, which he considers his best weapon on the court. Throughout his professional career, he has amassed numerous accolades and holds several remarkable records. Notably, he has spent the most time at the number one spot in the world ranking, a staggering 16 years. Additionally, he boasts the highest number of World Padel Tour titles in history. To date, Belasteguin has an astounding record of 230 titles won and 286 finals played, solidifying his status as a true titan of the sport.

Belasteguin's journey to success began in 1990 when he discovered padel at the Club Atlético Gral. San Martín in Pehuajó. At the age of 13, he caught the attention of Matías Díaz's father and his brother Godo Díaz, both professional padel players. Under their guidance, Belasteguin started training and competing in Buenos Aires.

In 1995, at the remarkably young age of 15, Belasteguin made his debut as a professional player. Just five years later, he was already crowned the best player in Argentina at the age of 20. Throughout his early career, he partnered with various players, including Matías Díaz and Guillermo Demianiuk. It was in 2002 that Belasteguin joined forces with Juan Martín Díaz, a partnership that would dominate the sport for an unprecedented 13 years. They achieved an extraordinary undefeated record, winning 22 consecutive tournaments between September 2005 and May 2007. Together, they reached the pinnacle of success, becoming world champions and securing multiple titles.

In 2015, after their long-lasting partnership, Belasteguin teamed up with Brazilian player Pablo Lima. They continued their reign as the number one couple, winning tournaments and maintaining their dominance on the court. Belasteguin achieved an impressive feat by holding the number one ranking for 15 consecutive years, which earned him a commemorative plaque.

Over the years, Belasteguin has faced challenges and injuries, but his determination and resilience have always brought him back to the top. In 2018, after battling with an injury that made him contemplate retirement, he made a triumphant return by winning the Madrid Master Final alongside Lima. In an emotional moment, Belasteguin revealed an amulet given to him by his daughter Sofia, with a powerful message: "A Belasteguin never gives up."

In 2019, Belasteguin formed a new partnership with Agustín Tapia. Despite a few ups and downs, they showcased their skills and finished the season as the fourth-ranked couple. The following year, Belasteguin joined forces with Arturo Coello, and they continued to achieve notable results. In 2022, they won the Madrid Master and the Amsterdam Open, solidifying their position among the top players in the world.

In a surprising twist, Belasteguin reunited with Sanyo Gutiérrez for the 2023 season, creating a formidable duo once again. Their partnership brings together a wealth of experience and talent as they aim to challenge the emerging young talents in the sport.

Off the court, Belasteguin has also made significant contributions to charitable causes. His biography, "This is My Story," released in 2015, supports organizations such as Ronald McDonald's Barcelona Children's Foundation, Bakery "The Future of Pehuajó," and the Special Padel School "Fernando Belasteguin."

Fernando Belasteguin's journey in padel is one of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering passion. His accomplishments and records speak volumes about his exceptional skills and the impact he has had on the sport. As he continues to make his mark on the court, Belasteguin's legacy as one of the greatest padel players of all time is securely etched in history.

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