Rafael Nadal suffered his initial final defeat in two years on Sunday, as the Spanish tennis star was defeated 6-3, 6-2 by Portugal's Nuno Borges at the clay-court Bastad Open. Nadal had displayed indications of a resurgence in form in Scandinavia, making a strong push to the final, just a week before the Olympic Games commence on clay in Paris. However, instead of celebrating his 64th title on the surface and his first since Roland Garros 2022, Nadal found himself overpowered by Borges, struggling with his serve and groundstrokes.
"I don't know what to say. I've been hoping for this moment for quite some time," Borges expressed in his post-match interview. "It's surreal; in tennis, it often doesn't occur when you anticipate it. I understand everyone wanted Rafa to win, part of me did too, but a stronger force within me prevailed today... I'm just overwhelmingly happy. I'm very emotional, I don't know what to say." Borges took the early lead in the match by breaking Nadal's serve to go up 3-1, with Nadal saving break points before mishitting a forehand down the line. However, the 14-time French Open champion retaliated immediately on Borges' serve, earning two break-back points before Borges sent a forehand into the net from inside the service box.
Neither player could seize control in the first set, as Borges swiftly built a 0-40 lead in the next service game, converting his second break point with a masterfully executed drop shot. Nadal was having difficulty finding his first serve but managed to hold his second service game of the opening set, forcing Borges to serve again. The world number 51 maintained his composure to do so. The 38-year-old showed glimpses of his former prowess serving at deuce in the first game of the second set with a powerful forehand winner down the line, before eventually holding serve, but this was one of the few bright spots for Nadal on the day. Borges capitalized at 2-2, breaking Nadal's serve for the first time in the second set and the fourth time overall to take the lead. The 27-year-old then won the next three games, securing his first career title in his debut match against the former world number one with an ace.
