Gianluca Vacchi: "Bela is greater than Federer. Next year, we'll play the Senior World Championship"

He's excited. He wrings his hands. Gianluca Vacchi can be described as a friend, brother, sometimes partner on the court, fan, supporter, devoted follower. Of whom? Bela, of course. And in any case, he will be happy because he cares deeply for Fernando Belasteguin. Every time the Argentine 'Leyenda' steps onto the court, as in yesterday's (Wednesday) match against Solano-Windhal, he suffers immensely.

The match ends with a victory for our hero. A double 6-4 and a long embrace from Gianluca Vacchi to his 'pala' brother. We catch up with him before the match in the VIP stands of the Centrale, just as Fernando is warming up. Vacchi offers his usual joyful kindness, without missing a single move of Bela. Next year, they plan to do something big. How? Read on to find out, please.

We provoke him immediately: Gianluca, if I say 'The Last Dance', do you think of Michael Jordan?

"No. I would say it's the last year of the greatest ever, Fernando Belasteguin. And his last tournament here at the Foro Italico. But I believe his true, final Last Dance was inevitably at the Premier Padel P1 in Mar del Plata, Argentina, at home. It was a very moving moment, but it’s important to highlight that the term 'The Last Dance' is reserved for the legends of sports, and Bela is one of them".

And it's no coincidence that Bela's nickname is 'Leyenda'. Vacchi, I want to take you to the highest point of Olympus where, alongside Michael Jordan, there is also Roger Federer. Does something come to mind?

"Fernando is certainly the Federer of padel, but I want to tell you something...".

Please do.

"The great Roger didn't achieve in tennis what Fernando achieved in padel. Nearly 17 consecutive years as the world number one, in the modern era it’s an unmatched and likely unmatchable record in any sport".

There's a sense of injustice in the idea of Bela retiring at the end of the season: padel has become a global phenomenon, and he is leaving just as it reaches its peak. Was Fernando born at the wrong time or at the right time to help padel get to where it is now?

"He was born at the right time because after helping to make this sport great, he will certainly play a role in the further establishment of this wonderful discipline. If you and I are doing this interview today sitting in an icon of the world of racquets like the 'Centrale', it’s due to the work of many, but especially men like Fernando. However, I do have a major regret...".

We're here to listen, tell us.

"I discovered padel too late; otherwise, Fernando would have had a worthy competitor or a very strong partner! (laughs) And anyway, I have some news for you...".

That's all we ask.

"Next year, we will play the Senior World Championship together, here’s an exclusive preview, not bad, huh?".

Bela-Vacchi and off with a bang: how it will happen, we'll find out next year. You follow padel around the world, have you noticed a successor to Bela anywhere?

"No. The game has changed a lot; it's more aggressive and less constructive and reflective. There's less 'working' for the point and more attacking. And above all, I don't see players with Bela's mental strength. His shots: the lob, the chest-high bandeja, the wall exit, all excellent solutions, but he was number one for nearly 17 years without an incredible shot, which underscores his unique mental strength that kept him at the highest levels for an entire sports life. His head, his tenacity, were his best shots. You don’t stay unbeaten for a year and a half, as he did, without mental strength like his. A superior strength, different from anyone else’s. In summary, he is the 'Leyenda,' period. Say what you want, but that's true even for those who don't love him".

The old, beloved sports equation: when you win a lot, you might not be liked by everyone.

"Well, it's normal; when you're so visible and 'overwhelming' in terms of trophies, some dislike can emerge, but..."

But?

"That's why buses have fifty seats and Lamborghinis have two."

Game, set, match.