Last week, Brussels was host to the top padel players in the world. Among them were the number 1 ranked players, Coello and Tapia, who have established their dominance in the sport. The tournament provided a platform for both established and up-and-coming couples to showcase their skills. Notably, the newly formed pair of Galán and Chingotto made an impressive run, reaching the final and ultimately clinching victory on Sunday. The event took place at the stunning Gare Maritime facilities, which added to the overall experience.

Padel has been gaining popularity not only in traditional hotspots like Sweden, the Netherlands, and Italy, but also in Belgium. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed a significant growth in the number of courts, clubs, and coaches. The surge in popularity has led to a high demand for bookings, with some days fully booked until 10:00 p.m. Additionally, key figures such as Yannik Carrasco have invested in padel facilities, and local brands have emerged to cater to the growing fan base. The Premium Padel fans, numbering in the thousands, were an enthusiastic presence throughout the event.

While the star players naturally attracted attention and media coverage, the week belonged to the veteran Miguel Lamperti. At 45 years old, Lamperti is a legend in the sport, known for his charismatic personality both on and off the court. The stands erupted with chants of “Miguel, Miguel” as Lamperti secured an epic victory in the round of 16. On Friday, Lamperti and his partner Belluati put up a fierce fight against the top-ranked players, coming close to a stunning upset with two match points. Despite the loss, the crowd’s support for Lamperti was unwavering, as he embodies the passion and resilience that the Belgian fans appreciate.

Lamperti’s story exemplifies the Belgians’ unwavering passion not only for padel but also for life itself. Much like Lamperti, the Belgians have a reputation for bouncing back from adversity. They symbolize the old guard of padel, contrasting with the younger players who rely on their physical prowess. Lamperti’s fearless approach to the game resonated with the crowd, as he charged forward against seemingly insurmountable odds. Although victory may have been out of reach, the Belgian spirit of constantly pushing forward and never giving up was evident throughout Lamperti’s performance.

Lamperti is a beloved national hero, embodying an irreverent spirit in a country that values order and predictability within chaos. His passionate performance ignites a sense of awakening in the inhibited Belgian culture and inspires faith in overcoming personal barriers. Lamperti appeals to those who yearn to join the dance floor at parties but find themselves hesitating to take the first step. He possesses the qualities that many aspire to have: enthusiasm, audacity, and a complete disregard for danger. Lamperti plays without overthinking, seizing his turn on the court as if he were a world-renowned player, disregarding his own physical limitations. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Lamperti continues to believe in his abilities and gives his all in every match. He may not always emerge victorious, but his determined spirit and resilience resonate deeply with the Belgian audience.