Do not miss the first part of our interview with the player who leads 14 years in front of the world paddle. During the Estrella Damm Las Rozas Open, our teammate Daniel Gamarra had the opportunity to share with him a few minutes, in a pleasant chat with the paddle as the only and great protagonist.
Padel World Press .- It is a true example of overcoming, perseverance, effort, dedication ... It is a true example of professionalism, humility, how to keep your feet on the ground despite having won everything imaginable.
With the same 'hunger for titles' of the first day, without forgetting his modest origins in his native Pehuajó, Bela continues to give his best in each training to correct 'his mistakes', to be more complete each day, to continue learning things about the sport to which he must be a legend.
There are many anecdotes, many stories to tell about the member of the Team HEAD. That is why in Padel World Press we wanted to talk to one of the best players in the history of the paddle, with whom we reviewed how their beginnings were with a shovel in their hands, what memories do they have of their time in Argentina, how He has lived the evolution that this sport has experienced and which people are those that have marked his career the most.
What made you want to dedicate yourself to this sport?
I believe that growing up in an environment of great family unity, healthy and humble, was decisive. My family instilled in me the values of sport from a very young age, that was key because I was doing physical activity all the time. I hope to be able to pass on this lifestyle to my children; Times change but I trust it Another reason is that paddle tennis gave me the possibility of going on a trip, since with football it was not good enough to succeed and be able to go out, hahaha.
What anecdote do you remember of your first steps as a player?
The truth is that I remember everything from that time. It was a time when we had fun. I remember, for example, playing a tournament with Ariel. He, being so short, suffered the ridicule of some boys and girls of the tournament, who called him short, to which he replied that he was short but that he stepped on, hahaha ... However, if you ask me about my professional stage , or about what I did a month ago, I can't tell you. I remember much less things since this part of my life has become a routine, in my work.
You are part of a generation full of talents ... Did you imagine that so many years later you would be part of the history and elite of this sport?
Look what I'm going to tell you ... The truth is that I don't know if a Training Center will reappear with such a high percentage of players who come to play on the Professional Circuit. Of 20 players who had been training in our school, 16 have become professionals and those who did not arrive were because they did not want to. Hopefully when I don't play anymore and put me as a coach, I have the ability to get kids out like Matías Díaz's father and the rest of the CEPAC Academy team (High Competition Padel Training Center) did.
Many of the players who made the leap at that time have told us about how hard their beginnings were… How were Bela's first steps as a player?
They were tough, but nice hahaha. I remember that in the 95 Copa América, in Brazil, Matías and I were sponsored by the Sola Belgique brand. In the first round we were against Lasaigues and Gattiker, therefore we lost but we had to be there all week. The problem is that we only had half board paid in the hotel and, for that reason, to be able to live during those days I had to start selling in the stands. The modus operandi was simple but effective. I would stand with 6 or 7 shovels in the stands and make noise with them ... With that method I sold 34 shovels, more than the Sola stand at the Copa América. I am convinced that I broke the record for shovels sold in a week, hahaha.
You have experienced firsthand the great evolution that paddle tennis has undergone in recent years ... Did you expect the Professional Circuit to have the dimension that it is beginning to have thanks to World Paddle Tour?
Players and humans themselves have short memories. The evolution of paddle tennis has happened very quickly. We players do not remember how we were five years ago. The truth is that paddle tennis has grown a lot but, even so, paddle tennis is a very new sport. Today there are 4000 people in the stands but there is still a long way to go. For that reason, if my son told me that he wants to dedicate himself to paddle tennis, I would think about it ... I would support him but I would tell him that he would have to complement it with other things.
A couple of years ago in an interview with your friend Ariel you said that you should be sorry that the paddle was losing its essence, do you keep it? Do you maintain the idea that the ball should be slower or that the track should measure x4 in some areas on the sides? Do you think that would improve the show?
I don't know, I don't think ... I think that paddle tennis should evolve by itself and as players we must adapt to all these changes. Paddle tennis has evolved a lot in these years, the players now have nothing to do with what they were before ... The Juan-Bela couple from 14 years ago today would have a hard time making a semifinal. The player model has totally changed.
Your generation has been the architect of the great transformation that this sport has experienced. You have managed to 'live on the paddle' is not something outlandish. What would you like to say to those young generations that already start with very different conditions from yours?
The kids must value what they have. They fall into a dream. The young guys now have to realize how lucky they are. That is a luxury.
You have had great companions throughout your career… What have you learned from all of them?
I always stay with the good thing that all of them have taught me. I always say that between Juan and my wife they have given mold to that type of rustic town.
Who is the person that has most marked you throughout your career?
When he was young, Roberto Díaz… And Miguel Sciorilli in his professional days.
Stay very attentive to the pages of Padel World Press because, in the coming days, we will offer you the second part of this complete interview.
Cover image: World Paddle Tour
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