Juan Martín Díaz and Fernando Belasteguin are among the players who have made the most impact on the history of padel. Between 2002 and 2014, their collaboration shaped an era, breaking records and establishing a model of dominance that remains unmatched. A look back at this legendary partnership.

The two Argentines played together for almost thirteen years, winning 170 of the 190 finals played, chaining 22 consecutive titles and remaining undefeated for a year and nine months. Two figures who have become legendary in the world of padel. Juan Martín Díaz was born in Mar del Plata, on November 28, 1975, in the province of Buenos Aires. Fernando Belasteguin, four years his junior, was born on May 19, 1979 in Pehuajó.

Before forming their famous duo, Juan Martín Díaz played with Hernán Auguste, winning tournaments in Altea, Sotogrande, Benicàssim and Madrid. After his separation from Belasteguin, he teamed up with Juani Mieres and then Maxi Sánchez, with whom he won the Master of Madrid in 2015.

For his part, Fernando Belasteguin played with Semprún before joining Díaz. He notably won titles in Santander, Sotogrande, San Sebastián and Badajoz, finishing the season as world number 2 behind Díaz / Auguste. In 2015, he began a new era with the Brazilian Pablo Lima. Together, they finished that year global 1 number, and Belasteguin reached in 2016 a record 15 consecutive seasons as number 1, a performance commemorated by a commemorative plaque World Padel Tour.

An alliance born from a common ambition

Contrary to popular belief, the Díaz/Belasteguin duo was not born out of friendship, but of ambition. It was Juan Martín who approached the young Fernando, impressed by his potential. He saw in him the perfect partner to reach the top. Fernando accepted the proposal of the man who was then one of his idols, and their shared story began... to write the legend.

Professionalism and respect

While their relationship wasn't based on friendship, it was based on deep mutual respect and professional rigor. They were able to impose a work discipline and physical demands that allowed them to perform at the highest level for over a decade. Thirteen consecutive seasons at the top, including a perfect 2006, without any defeats.

But the years also brought their share of difficulties. From 2013 onwards, competition intensified and physical fatigue began to set in. Juan Martín Díaz began to suffer from knee injuries, which would weigh heavily on the end of his career.

Figures that speak for themselves

Their dominance remains unmatched. Between 2005 and 2007, they recorded 94 consecutive wins, winning 188 sets against only 7 lost, and 22 tournaments in a rowAn exceptional performance that still marks the minds of fans and professionals today.

A shock separation in 2014

Their separation, announced in 2014, surprised everyone. How could such a dominant duo, undefeated or almost unbeaten for over a decade, decide to go their separate ways? On August 3, they won the Estrella Damm Open in Marbella, defeating Paquito Navarro and Tito Allemandi (6-1, 6-7, 6-3). The next day, the specialist press announced the end of their partnership, turning a page in the history of world padel.

On the same subject

Tags