Watch:Borges Seals Victory Over Nadal in …see more
In a stunning upset at the Swedish Open in Bastad, 51st-ranked Nuno Borges overcame Rafael Nadal with scores of 6-3 and 6-2. The match marked Nadal’s first final appearance since 2022, where he suffered a notable defeat.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has struggled with injuries in recent years. At 38, he has dropped to 261 in the world rankings and chose to skip Wimbledon this year to focus on the Olympics.
Borges, who was competing in his first ATP final, clinched the opening set in 46 minutes and secured victory by winning three consecutive games in the second set. Despite Nadal’s extensive experience with 131 finals compared to Borges’ debut, the Portuguese player showed remarkable composure and determination.
“It’s unbelievable. I know everyone wanted Rafa to win – and I wanted that too to some extent – but a greater part of me drove through today,” said the 27-year-old Borges. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a long time. I’m incredibly happy and emotional.”
The Olympic tennis tournament is set to start in Paris on July 27, with Nadal eyeing Roland Garros, where he has claimed 14 French Open titles, as his primary goal for the year.
