Fernando Belasteguín: “It’s easier to organize a tournament than to put the ball in the field”

Fernando Belasteguín is living a new life. Since his official retirement from the slopes, the former global 1 number padel is successfully trying out its new role as sports director, as was the case during the Miami Premier Padel P1A transition that he is experiencing “very well,” as he confided in an interview with the media. Twenty Ten Padel.

« It's easier to organize a tournament than to put the ball in the field. " he admits from the outset. "What we were doing on the track is much more difficult."

With his experience as a player, White immediately set his conditions as director: "If the players' requests are nonsense, it will be no." But he clarified that everything went well, his goal being to ensure "that the players lack nothing."

Logistical issues to resolve after Miami

One of the downsides of the event was the billing issues met at the hotel, where some players were charged up to 1800 dollars on their card. "We are managing this so that the money is refunded to them."

His favorite match? A first-round battle

It was not a final or a match of the seeded teams that marked Bela, but rather a meeting of the first round : Deus brothers salary. Perino and Huete, completed at 3:45 a.m. after three hours of play.

Indoor or outdoor? Bela has made her choice

To White, modern, faster padel imposes new physical and technical demands. But he recalls that play indoors like a Miami, which he personally demanded, provides a more neutral and controlled framework.

"The only wish I have expressed is that the tournament be indoor »

This does not exclude tournaments outdoor. He highlights the positive impact of events in prestigious locations such as the Foro Italico in Rome or Roland Garros : “It gave a serious image to the sport, a leap in terms of visibility.”

A clear-eyed look at the conflict between players and Premier Padel

Regarding the recent boycott of top 100 players, Bela calls to the Dialogue. For him, everyone must " put things straight and start again on a good basis.”

"Today, players have a lot of freedom. They can play elsewhere when Premier League doesn't offer anything, and that's valuable."

But he also insists: "If you want make lots of money, you must win many matches. Sport is not going to fund your career if you don't win."

An active life after the fields

Since he put away his pala, Belasteguín is not unemployed: he directs tournaments, develops his line at Wilson, participates in the creation of a new club in Barcelona…and even prepares projects to New York et Los Angeles.

His favorite player? No doubt.

Finally, when asked about the best player in the history of padel, Bela's response is immediate:

« Juan Martín Díaz ", his former partner with whom he reigned 14 years in world padel.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !