World padel round-up: Sanyo and Belo make dream start in Madrid
Padel fans, as you well know the sport’s elite made a welcome return last week with the opening event of the World Padel Tour’s 2021 season taking place in Madrid.
But how did it go?
Have no fear, we’ve got you covered with this simple review (look out for some news about the first LTA Padel Tour event of the year, too)
Spoiler alert – this article also contains an outrageous point that broke the (padel) internet…
What happened in the 2021 Adeslas Madrid Open?
They were the most intriguing new pairing going into the 2021 season, and the legendary duo of Fernando (Belo) Belasteguín and Sanyo Gutierrez certainly delivered in their first event together.
The pair, who have played almost 900 matches between them on the World Padel Tour, joined forces for the first time, at the ages of 41 and 36 respectively, for the 2021 season – much to the delight of many fans.
Well, they only went and won the first event of the year!
The Argentinian team of Gutierrez and Belasteguín overcame Franco Stupaczuk and Alejandro Ruiz Granados 6-7, 6-4 and 6-3 in a thrilling final in the Spanish capital.
After losing the first set in a frantic tiebreaker 6-7, the experienced pairing rallied to edge two tight sets and win their first title together.
Bravo gents.
In the women’s game World No.1 Ariana Sánchez and her partner Paula Josemaría Martin took home the title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Lucía Sainz and Beatriz González Fernández
In reaching the final Sainz has made a bright start after splitting from partner Lucía Sainz Pelegri last year.
The pair were 2020’s highest-ranked team after winning five out of six events towards the end of the season, including the Menorca Masters Final and Barcelona Masters.
Leading the British challenge was the men’s leading player, Christian Medina-Murphy. The Brit won a first-round qualifying match with partner Oscar Vazquez Fernandez as the pair overcame Sweden’s top-ranked duo to reach the second round of qualifying.
Although Medina-Murphy and Fernandez didn’t progress any further, there were some promising signs there for the Brit.
How about this for a point!!!
It’s safe to say the most eye-catching moment of the tournament came in a match between Agustín Tapia and Pablo Lima against Federico Chingotto and Juan Tello.
Stop what you’re doing and watch this…
One week to go until the LTA Padel Tour begins – don’t miss out
Back in the UK, the LTA Padel Tour will begin on April 24 at Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club.
There’s still time to enter, too. Find out how you can do that here.