A few days before the first tournament of the season, Fernando Belasteguin confided in the microphone of our colleagues from Sport on this year which once again promises to be very intense. The 43-year-old Argentinian, who is entering his 29th season, is more motivated than ever to achieve his new goals. As we already know, it is alongside another “veteran” that he will fight. Indeed for 2023 it is with Sanyo Gutiérrez, 38, that the world champion will try to compete for the crown.

After a mixed first try in 2021, the two former number 1s decided to give themselves a second chance. Prepared physically and mentally as Bela mentioned, the two friends are ready for the start of hostilities which will take place in Abu Dhabi in a few days.

“We can be a tough pair to beat”

“Of course with Sanyo we are veterans but despite our age we have been able to show that our level is still there. If I was 20 and my style of play wasn't competitive enough I would be 100th or 150th in the standings. Last year Sanyo and Agustin Tapia managed to finish number 2 and Arturo Coello and I number 3. This is one of the reasons why I am very happy to resume a new season after a year and a half without injury.".

“If with Sanyo we are at the top physically and 100% motivated we will be a tough pair to beat.. Our objective this season is above all to be very competitive. We will go to every tournament to win we have what it takes”.

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Sanyto Gutierrez and Fernando Belasteguin

“Advancing together for the good of padel"

“At the moment we have a contract with the World Padel Tour until the end of 2023. But it is true that the opportunity offered by Premier Padel last year was a very good thing for the padel. When a sport grows it is logical that new players want to enter the scene. A few days ago we were informed via the PPA that the WPT and Premier Padel sat down at the negotiating table. Now we are waiting for a return”.

"If it were up to me, I'd have all the players in the padel in general as well as the various promoters / organizers. I would say to anyone who wants to work for the good of the padel to hold hands and move forward together for the good of the discipline”.

Fernando Belasteguin and Pablo Lima

“A very professional player”

Interrogé sur the announcement of the retirement of his ex-partner Pablo Lima, “El boss” confided in the Brazilian player.

"The padel going to lose a very professional player. Pablo brought a lot of professionalism to the day-to-day work”.

Finally, he also delivered on the two pairs that he particularly appreciates for this new season.

“I really like the Arturo Coello / Agustin Tapia duo as well as Martin Di Nenno and Franco Stupazcuk. These two pairs have very different styles of play but they are very strong and can fight on all fronts”.

Sebastien Carrasco

Future naturopath and passionate about padel, Seb is the health/food gentleman of Padel Magazine. He juggles between pala, quinoa and essential oils. For almost two years now he has been dealing with the news of the little yellow ball with the same passion.

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