Rafael Nadal’s impressive winning streak on clay was brought to an abrupt halt on Sunday, as the Spanish tennis star succumbed to Nuno Borges in the Nordea Open final. The seventh-seeded Portuguese player clinched his first ATP tour victory with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over Nadal.
Borges, breaking Nadal’s serve five times, displayed an exceptional performance against the seasoned veteran. This match marked Nadal’s first appearance in a final since the 2022 French Open.
“It’s crazy, in tennis it doesn’t happen when you expect it sometimes,” Borges said post-match. “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.”
Nadal, 38, was competing in the tournament in Sweden for the first time since he won the title as a 19-year-old in 2005. His participation was part of his preparation for the upcoming Olympic tournament on clay at Roland Garros in Paris.
The Spaniard had opted to skip Wimbledon this year, citing concerns about switching surfaces and risking further injury. Nadal has been managing hip and abdominal injuries for the past 1 1/2 years.
Nadal’s Path to the Final
Nadal’s journey to the final saw him overcoming some stiff competition. On Saturday, he rallied to beat Duje Ajdukovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals, marking his first final appearance since 2022. This victory came after a grueling four-hour match against the 36th-ranked Mariano Navone in the quarterfinals, which left Nadal with a slow start against Ajdukovic.
“My opponent had one of the best backhands that I played against,” Nadal remarked. “It was very, very difficult, honestly, but I found a way to survive and be through to that final after a long time without being in a final. So that’s great news and I’m very happy with that.”
Borges earned his spot in the final by defeating Thiago Agustin Tirante 6-3, 6-4. His victory over Nadal marks a significant milestone in his career, adding an unexpected chapter to the Nordea Open’s history.
As Nadal continues to manage his physical condition, his focus remains on the upcoming Olympic tournament, hoping to add another prestigious title to his illustrious career.
