Sebastian Korda came back from one set down to beat Alexei Popyrin 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 6-3 in the first round of the Paribas Nordic Open in Stockolm.
Popyrin was playing his first match since losing to Jannik Sinner in the Round of 64 at the US Open. The Australian player was sidelined by a back injury for two match.
Both players dropped their serve twice in the first set. Popyrin earned the first break in the first game and saved three break points in the second game to hold serve for 2-0. Korda converted his third break-back point in the fourth game to draw level to 2-2. Popyrin broke serve again in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead. Korda pulled back on serve in the 10th game to draw level to 5-5. Popyrin earned his first mini-break to open up a 3-0 lead. Korda pulled back on serve to draw level to 3-3. Popyrin got his second mini-break to win the tie-break 7-4. Korda broke three times to win the second set 6-3.
Korda converted his third break point in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead. Popyrin broke back in the fifth game and held serve in the sixth game to 3-3. Korda broke for the second time in the eighth game and served out on his first match point to seal the third set 6-3.
Leo Borg beat Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 to achieve his second ATP Tour match win two years after taking the victory in Bastad in 2023. Borg converted converted two of three break points he earned. En route to reaching the second round. Leo’s father Bjorn Borg won the Stockolm title in 1980 beating John McEnroe. Borg set up a second round match against Denis Shapovalov,
“This is really special. My first Stockholm win is so special,. I really stepped up my game, so I’m really happy with my performance. I have the level, but the consistency has not been my greatest side. I’ve really worked on my stuff, and I really stepped up today and showed myself, and the tennis people, that I really belong here”, said Borg.
