World number 51 Nuno Borges secured a decisive victory over Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, with a score of 6-3, 6-2 to win the Swedish Open. This marks Borges’ first ATP final, in stark contrast to Nadal’s 131st.
Nadal, who has been struggling with injuries and is currently ranked 261, did not participate in Wimbledon to focus on his preparation for the Olympics. Despite his efforts, the 38-year-old Spaniard was unable to overcome Borges, who dominated the match by taking the first set in 46 minutes and winning three consecutive games in the second set.
“It’s crazy. I know we all wanted Rafa to win – a part of me wished that too – but something even bigger inside of me really pushed through today,” said the emotional Borges, reflecting on his long-awaited victory.
Nadal is now setting his sights on the upcoming Olympic tennis tournament in Paris, starting on 27 July, with his main goal being a strong performance at Roland Garros, where he has historically excelled with 14 French Open titles.
