By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, July 21, 2024
Nuno Borges broke serve five times surprising Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2 in the Bastad final to capture his first career Tour-level title.
Photo credit: Nordea Open Facebook
Leaping above the court in kangaroo hops, Rafael Nadal looked ready for launch in his final return.
An inspired Nuno Borges elevated past Nadal to land a historic title.
More: Knee Injury Curtails Halep's Comeback
Playing his first ATP final, Borges broke serve five times surprising Nadal 6-3, 6-2 in today’s Bastad final to capture his first career Tour-level title in a moment he called "a dream come true."
The 27-year-old Borges made history as the second Portuguese champion after Joao Sousa, who won four titles, and rises to a career-high ranking of No. 42.
"I was nervous already, after Rafa gave that speech I'm even more nervous," Borges said. "First time here, I never thought I would be here playing on a full stadium against Rafa on clay.
"It is a dream come true and right now I'm living in the clouds. I'm somewhere not here."
Borges closed his biggest win in style slamming an ace out wide to end a one hour 27-minute victory then dropping to his knees in elation.
The seventh-seeded Borges is the eighth different man to win a maiden ATP title this year.
King of clay Nadal, who fought valiantly to reach his first final in more than two years, did not have the life in his legs or sting on his serve to really make a match of this final.
Drained from playing nearly six-and-a-half hours combined in his three-set quarterfinal and semifinal wins, Nadal won just five of 18 second-serve points, twice double-faulted away breaks and faced 12 break points in all.
"Many congratulations to Nuno," Nadal said. "You played great during the whole week so you deserve it more than anyone else. So enjoy your moment. This is always special winning a title and I wish you all the very best for the rest of the season.
"I really had fun on court. Today wasn't my best today, but all the tournament you played very very well and it was very difficult for me so well done.... Many, many thanks. I don't know if I will be back here playing again, probably not, but I enjoy it very much so thank you everyone."
Borges denied Nadal his 93rd career championship.
Contesting his first final since the 2022 Roland Garros, Nadal showed some nerves at the start double-faulting away the opening break and a 2-0 lead.
Dialing in his forehand, Nadal broke right back in the third game.
The pair exchanged breaks in the fourth and fifth games. Borges lined up a mid-court forehand, but put it into net as Nadal broke back for 2-3.
Still, the 14-time Roland Garros champion couldn’t find his range and rhythm on serve. Borges flicked a drop shot winner scoring his third break at 15 in the sixth game.
This time, the world No. 51 made the break stick. Behind a barrage of heavy topspin forehands, Borges held at 15 for 5-2.
Showing no signs of stress in his first ATP final and maiden meeting against the 22-time Grand Slam champion, Borges calmly served out the 48-minute opening set at 15.
Struggling to find his serve, Nadal won only 10 of 26 serve points and dropped serve three times in the opening set.
The question: How would the 38-year-old Spanish superstar physically respond after a pair of grueling three-set wins. Nadal toiled for four hours in his quarterfinal victory over Mariano Navone and went two hours, 12 minutes defeating qualifier Duje Ajdukovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in yesterday’s semifinals.
Spending over nine hours on court to reach the final, Nadal was a half-step slow to the ball at times today. The former No. 1 botched a half-volley into net as Borges broke for a one-set, 3-2 lead.
Hitting his crosscourt backhand with depth, Borges drilled a diagonal forehand winner to confirm the break at 30 for 4-2.
Credit the former all-American from Mississippi State for competing with such calm throughout his first final.
The 27-year-old Borges raced up quickly to a mid-court ball and blasted a forehand winner down the middle earning his fifth break for a 6-3, 5-2 advantage.
Firing a forehand winner brought Borges triple championship point. Borges banged an ace out wide to end it then dropped to his knees and covered his eyes with his hands. Nadal crossed around the net to embrace the Portuguese.