There are defeats that go far beyond the simple sporting result.
In Buenos Aires, the qualification of  Facundo Lopez  et  Franco Da Bianco  for Argentina's main table Premier Padel P1 has almost faded into the background. Yet, both players delivered a truly impressive performance by dominating  Miguel Lamperti  and Martin Abud (8th seed in the preliminaries) in two sets:  6 / 2 7 / 6 .

But what the Argentinian public remembered was not just the elimination of a player.
This may be the last great chapter of a monument of world padel that has come to a close.

A player who has spanned all generations

At 47, Miguel Lamperti represents much more than just a former champion.
He is one of the rare players to have spanned all eras of professional padel: from  Padel Per tour  au  World Padel Tour , then in the modern era of  Premier Padel .

Born in Bahía Blanca on November 11, 1978, the Argentinian started playing padel at just 12 years old before becoming number 1 in Argentina in 2006. Quickly, his spectacular style, charisma and energy conquered Spain and then the whole world.

Lamperti was never a player “like the others”.

With his headband, long hair, celebrations, permanent smile and ultra-offensive style of play, he has become a true popular figure on the circuit.
A player capable of filling the stands as much by his talent as by his personality.

Miguel Lamperti, the end of an era: world padel bids farewell to one of its greatest icons
Miguel Lamperti, the end of an era: world padel bids farewell to one of its greatest icons

The people's player

Very few players in the history of padel have enjoyed such public affection.

In virtually every tournament, the stands filled up to see “Miguelito”.
Even when the results were more complicated in recent years, support remained intact.

Because Lamperti embodied something rare in modern sport:
closeness to the fans.

Approachable, smiling, spectacular, sometimes unpredictable, he will have left his mark on several generations of players and fans.

Many of today's young professionals grew up watching his matches.

A huge career

Miguel Lamperti's record far exceeds his 7 titles on the professional circuit.

He was above all one of the great faces of the 2000s and 2010s, playing in finals against some of the greatest legends in history such as Fernando Belasteguín, Juan Martín Díaz, Paquito Navarro and Sanyo Gutiérrez.

His association with  Matías Díaz  will remain one of the most remarkable of its time.
Later, he would also form memorable partnerships with  Maxi Grabiel ,  Christian Gutierrez ,  Juani Mieres  or,  Tito Allemandi .

In 2016, he also won the world championship with Argentina, giving his country the decisive point.

But one of the most symbolic moments of his career probably remains his association with a very young Arturo Coello in 2021.
At the time, Coello was only 19 years old. Lamperti was almost 43.

This unlikely pair made a lasting impression by reaching several semi-finals and beating world-class players. A passing of the torch between two generations.

Coello Lamperti in 2021

Buenos Aires, an outing that leaves a bitter taste

Lamperti's elimination at the gates of the main draw caused a wave of emotion in Argentina.

Many observers were particularly critical of the tournament's organization, believing that a player of this caliber deserved a  wild card  to enter directly into the main table.

Several messages have gone viral on social media:

“Leaving Lamperti without a wild card in Buenos Aires is disrespectful.”

In a country where Lamperti is considered one of the greatest figures in the history of Argentine padel, the decision was very poorly received by a part of the public.

Especially since the atmosphere surrounding this meeting already resembled a tribute.

More than a champion, a padel icon

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Miguel Lamperti is that he has managed to remain relevant for almost twenty years in a constantly evolving sport.

He will have known:

  • the slow tracks,
  • the older generations,
  • the arrival of young prodigies,
  • the physical evolution of padel,
  • the extreme professionalization of the circuit.

And despite all that, Lamperti remained Lamperti.

A player capable of getting an entire room on its feet with a vibora, a counter-move, or a simple smile.

A page of padel history turns.

Although no official retirement announcement has yet been made, many in Buenos Aires felt it symbolized the end of an era.

The world of padel is gradually losing its great historical figures:
Fernando Belasteguín has already left the circuit, others are nearing the end, and now the public is also beginning to see the final chapters of Lamperti's career.

But some legends transcend statistics and trophies.

And in this category, Miguel Lamperti will remain for many as one of the most beloved players in the entire history of world padel.

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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