Argentina-Spain final: a breathtaking tie-break seen by Peter Claeys

Former football referee in Belgium, Peter Claeys discover it paddle and quickly became passionate about this sport. In 2021, he decided to retrain as a padel referee and quickly joined the APT circuit Padel tour (A1Padel). His rise was meteoric, leading him to officiate at major international tournaments. In 2024, he was selected to referee the world padel championships, a remarkable experience that he shares here.

An unforgettable first World Cup

After the intense New Giza P2 tournament, I didn't have time to breathe: my first padel world championships were about to begin. From the opening ceremony, with the presentation of the 20 competing nations, the speech of the president of the FIP and the code of fair play pronounced by the players and referees, it was a memorable moment. However, the real challenge was yet to come on the pitch.

An intense and unique cadence

Along with 17 other referees, I managed up to 48 matches per day during the group stage. The atmosphere was unique: each player represented his country, which made the experience much more intense. I also met players and coaches who are rarely present on the FIP circuit or Premier PadelThe atmosphere was vibrant, with a loud and passionate audience.

Arbitrate three matches per day, sometimes very fast, sometimes more than two hours, under an intense sun, made these days a physical challenge. After the group stage, the matches became even more crucial, with the teams fighting to reach the main draw. The best-of-three system limited the number of matches to two games, but the closeness of the level between the teams made each match thrilling.

Finals day, a highlight

On the last day of competition, the intensity was at its peak. I had the honor of refereeing the women's match for the 11th place between Uruguay and Japan, a grueling three-set match, almost three hours long! The unrelenting support from the Japanese crowd was incredible. This match took up so much of my time that I had to be replaced for the men's match between the United Arab Emirates and Brazil.

A historic moment: the Argentina-Spain final

The long-awaited moment has finally arrived: the Argentina-Spain final. As the designated referee for the second match of the women's final, I witnessed an intense duel in which Argentina saved a match point before Spain clinched the title. 2024 world champion.

My tournament was already a success since, for my first world championships, I had been chosen to referee the final. After this match, a break was necessary before the men's final. My Italian and French colleagues refereed the first two matches, while I followed the first as a simple spectator, before preparing for the VAR. If the score was 1-1, I was in charge of the third and final, potentially decisive match.

Referee of the decisive match

Arbitrate a decisive match is an intense experience: either the score is 2-0 and the match does not take place, or it is 1-1 and the tension is at its peak. And on that day, Tapia and Chingotto allowed Argentina to come back to 1-1, making the third match crucial for the title. It was an unforgettable opportunity for me to be part of such a moment. Despite the pressure and stress, I was able to handle the situation, a full stadium and millions of spectators following the event around the world.

The experience was extraordinary: some difficult decisions, VAR interventions, a noisy crowd, top-level players, and teams celebrating every point won... Real thrills!

In a final tie-break of the last set, I was able to announce: " GAME, SET and MATCH Argentina ", even if no one heard these words in the euphoria of the moment.

A dream career accomplished

After the match, I received a trophy and many congratulatory messages from all over the world. I thank everyone who supported me in my career as a referee, with a special mention for Jose Luis Martinez (FIP) et Eduardo Willers.

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 !