After three decades of dominance on the court, Fernando Belasteguín, the eternal World No. 1 in padel, has played his final professional match. With an incredible record of 230 titles, six world championships, and an unprecedented 16-year reign atop the rankings, Bela concludes a career that has forever redefined the sport. His farewell, an electrifying match alongside Tino Libaak against Javier Garrido and Lucas Bergamini, was a fitting tribute to his legendary status. Fighting for every point with the passion that defined his career, Bela’s legacy is cemented as one of the great pioneers of professional padel.
"I’m very happy, very calm,” said "El Boss" as he took the mic after the match. “I’ve been fortunate to close 30 years of a professional career on my terms, as many times the sport cuts you short. I feel at peace; it’s an amazing feeling to have my family and team here. I gave it everything I had, and I’m sure that this feeling is even better than being number one for so many years.”
Lucas Bergamini qualifies for the Finals. The match had all the ingredients for spectacle: not only was it Belasteguín’s farewell, but his opponent, Lucas Bergamini, was fighting for his spot in the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Finals. “It’s thrilling that the most important match of my life so far was against Bela in Milan. Today is his moment,” the Brazilian player shared after the match.
“From the first day I picked up a padel racket, I wanted to be like Fernando Belasteguín,” said Javier Garrido, echoing the sentiments of many on this historic day. “Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved, for everything you’ve taught us, and, above all, for inspiring the kids who watched you from the outside.
Pablo Cardona also secures his spot in the FIP Race Ranking Finals. Following his victory today alongside Paquito Navarro against Sanyo Gutiérrez and José Diestro, and the loss of Álex Ruiz and Álex Arroyo, the young Spaniard has booked his ticket to the season’s final tournament in Barcelona.
In the women’s draw, the battle for the final Race spot intensifies. Tomorrow will be decisive as, for the first time in the tournament, all three contenders face higher-ranked pairs. Aranzazu Osoro, Alejandra Alonso, and Tamara Icardo each have a chance to qualify with a win, provided their rivals falter. Osoro holds a slight edge, as her current position in the Race means she would progress in the event of a triple defeat.
For the second consecutive day, all higher-ranked pairs emerged victorious, with no match extending beyond two sets.
The last match of the day, featuring Fede Chingotto and Alejandro Galán against Rama Valenzuela and Pol Hernández, also stood out. The young duo pushed the world’s No. 2 pair to a tiebreak in the first set and forced seven games in the second—a remarkable feat in their first-ever Round of 16. In a single day, Milan celebrated the sport’s greatest legend while witnessing the potential of its rising stars.
