The Belasteguin-Sanyo paddle tennis couple, separated after just two months of competition: “We were born to be rivals”

Fernando Bellasteguin AND Daniel “Sanyo” Gutiérrez they decided to separate for the second time. The Argentine couple, current number 3 in the World Tour Padel ranking, had already separated in September 2021, after a series of negative results. At the end of last year they announced their return to play for the 2023 season but the outcome was the same: they only played three tournaments and today they say goodbye.

That first leg of the Belasteguin-Sanyo duo was a dream, with trophies included and an incredible understanding, but just like on this occasion, the partnership broke up due to an injury. In 2021 it was a tear in Bela’s left calf that forced him to pause, awaiting the recovery of the one who remained number 1 in the world for 16 years. When they rejoined the field, their performance dropped significantly, prompting the final break.

In November 2022, Bela and Sanyo confirmed they would be playing music together again, but expectations did not materialize. In an interview with clarion, Belasteguin (43) had warned about physical complications: “If we are healthy we will have the level to fight against everyone”. Finally, a nuisance returned to mark the field.

So far this season they have only been able to play in three tournaments: two at the World Padel Tour (Abu Dhabi and La Rioja) and one at Premier Paddle (Qatar Major in Doha, where they reached the final). In between, they had a big break during their South American tour, due to family reasons, which began to question their continuity. They were also not present in Reus or in Granada, where they had to be absent due to an injury to Belasteguin in the kidnapper. Farewell was sung.

Talking with Brand, Sanyo spoke about the breakup: “I didn’t even think about parting, I don’t like doing it in the middle of the year. I only did it with Maxi Sánchez in my first stage and it went well for both of us, then we also came back and we were number 1. I like to start the race and finish in the same car, whatever position I finish in,” commented the punt

And he added, speaking of the sudden absence of Granada, which occurred at the last minute: “That made me make the decision, it was a pitcher of cold water because I didn’t like it or share what happened and, as I know myself. .. I prefer to step aside, I discussed it with Bela and the whole team in a video call, it took me two nights before making a decision but my head hasn’t changed, the reasons have increased… All thanks to Granada , in fact I received a call from a player 10 days ago and I said no”.

“We realized we were born to be rivals,” Sanyo said of Bela, acknowledging his competitive spirit. He added: “At some point in our careers we improved each other on different sides of the pitch. We tried, but it didn’t work.”

The new couples have already formed

In Brussels, which takes place from April 24 to 30, Sanyo will play the Spanish Momo González. From Belasteguin’s side, as he continues to recover from his injury, everything would indicate that his new partner would be Mike Yanguas.

It should be noted that the Spanish Momo González and Mike Yanguas were also a couple but recently decided to separate after winning the tournament in Reus. And while the reason for his departure is unknown, the fact that Momo González called Sanyo to play with him seems to have had a lot to do with it.