History will record that Fernando Belasteguín, nicknamed “King Bela”, ends his career ranked 24th in the world. A slight disappointment for his many fans, who were hoping to see him compete in the Master Finals one last time.

In 2024, the Argentinian from Pehuajó ended his season with 42 games played and 21 losses, a win rate of 50%. Despite a series of three consecutive victories, Bela did not manage to go to the end of a tournament. His best result remains a semi-final at the Bordeaux P2 alongside Juan Tello. A special year for this legendary champion, who admitted to having fought more to stay up and finish the season than to obtain great results.

For comparison, Bela managed to reach a final in 2023 Qatar Major and a semi-final at theItaly Major, concluding the season with more than 70% of victories. However, it must be remembered that 2022 and 2023 were years marked by the war between Premier Padel and World Padel Tour, a very different context.

The contractor Lisandro Borges had spoken of a “season too many” for Bela. Despite this, the Argentinian was keen to respond on the pitch. Although his results did not live up to expectations, he offered his fans one last opportunity to see him evolve, thus satisfying those who hoped to see him extend his career.

For Bela, this season was like a real farewell tour. As he pointed out with a hint of irony, he has won more trophies in his career this year than in the last five competitive seasons.

Despite a long and trying year, fans enjoyed seeing him fight until the end. A legendary career that is coming to an end, giving way to a well-deserved sporting retirement.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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