Nuno Borges has become the second Portuguese player in history to win an ATP title after beating a lacklustre Rafael Nadal in straight sets at the Bastad Open in Sweden.
Borges, who was seeded seventh in the tournament, capitalised on his rival’s patchy play and produced a series of impressive drop shots to claim a 6-3, 6-2, victory. He has dropped only one set in the entire tournament which was in the second round against compatriot Henrique Rocha. The maiden title triumph will elevate him to a ranking high of 42 on Monday.
The run to the title follows what has been a difficult past few weeks for the 27-year-old, who had suffered first round losses at four consecutive tournaments before Bastad. At the start of this season, he achieved his best-ever Grand Slam run by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open.
“I was wishing for this moment for a while. It’s crazy,” Borges said during his on-court interview.
“I know we all wanted Rafa to win, and a part of me wished that, too. But something even bigger inside of me really pushed through today.
“Through the emotions, through all the ups and downs. It wasn’t about playing my best tennis today. It was just coming up in the big moments where I wanted and I couldn’t have played better.”
Throughout the clash, 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal struggled with his serve and was broken five times. He was particularly fragile behind his second serve where he won just 28% of points (5/18). Serving has been an issue for Nadal throughout the tournament with him getting broken 16 times across his three previous matches but in all of those encounters, he managed to find a way to win. However, he was unable to find a way to beat Borges.
“Many congratulations to Nuno. You play great during the whole week, so you deserve it more than anybody else here.” Nadal said in tribute to his opponent.
“I have been here during the whole week enjoying this amazing place. I really had fun on the court. Played some very long, some good matches, some not that good moments.
“Today wasn’t my best day but all the credit to Nuno. He played very well and it was so difficult for me.”
Nadal, whose quarter-final match against Mariano Navone lasted a marathon of four hours, was seeking to win the trophy for the first time since 2005. He was playing in his first tournament since losing in the first round of the French Open to Alexander Zverev.
“I don’t know if I will be back here playing, probably not, but I enjoy it a lot. Playing for one more time here, without a doubt.” He said.
As for Borges, he has achieved one of his childhood dreams which was to play Nadal in the final of an ATP event. The only other player from Portugal to have won a title on the men’s tour is Joao Sousa.
“It’s my first time here and I never thought I would be here playing in a full stadium against Rafa on clay. It is a dream come true and right now I’m living in the clouds.” Borges concluded.
