Belasteguin’s love letter to Rome: "The best tournament ever"

More than an interview, it is a love letter to Rome, the Foro Italico and this tournament. The atmosphere of the Italy Major Premier Padel has bewitched even someone like Fernando Belasteguin, who, aged 43, has seen his share of events.

“Doha, the first Major of the Premier Padel circuit was brilliantly-organised and a stunning location, - says Bela - but Rome has got to be the best tournament I have ever played. The Padel circuit seems to have a rule for which every event needs to improve on the previous one in order to always make a step forward”.

“Rome is always amazing and beguiling and the Foro Italico is known all over as a home for international sport events. It’s more than just tennis and padel: many champions have competed here, and the walk of fame boasts lots of names of stars in every sport. Playing and winning here is more motivating than doing it elsewhere. The Italy Major is an impressive tournament”.

“The truth is that all of us who are playing here this week are living a dream while being awake and having tons of fun. I am proud of the direction our sport is moving towards, also in Italy. I hope to see the whole circuit develop further along the way. The Premier Padel organisers’ healthy ambition allows us to dream big and to aim at “beating” the previous event".

It is hard to understand where the Argentinian finds new reasons to step into the cage every day and practise to stay competitive, after being world no. 1 and winning everything.

"The motivation? My family, my children when I go back home. There’s no better incentive. It is thanks to them that I continue to train at my age. I also always like to learn something new and there is no age limit for that”.

“I don't feel pressure to continue being the player I have become. I never felt it in the past either, thanks to the mental form with which I take to the pro game. We can lose tomorrow and have another chance next week. There is always a new opportunity”.

Finally, a look at the next match, which will be one of the best all week. “Stupaczuk and Lima? The ranking says they are the favourites and figures don't usually lie. I am a fan of numbers, because they convey much more than words, if well interpreted. If they are ahead of us in the ranking it means they recently did better than us and won more. Having said that, we will be able to play calmly, and when we don’t feel any pressure we can bring our best level, beating anyone out there".