Nuno Borges admitted that he wanted Rafael Nadal to beat him in the final of the Swedish Open despite the result going the other way. Nadal was denied his first ATP title since 2022, with Borges turning on the style to earn a dominant victory in straight sets.
The Spaniard looked fatigued after a busy week of tennis and was unable to reach his best level as Borges rattled off two early breaks to win the first set. He went on to force another crucial break in the second as he cruised home to secure the first ATP title of his career.
After lifting the trophy, an emotional Borges admitted that part of him wanted Nadal to win despite being elated with the dominant manner of his victory.
“I don’t know what to say, I think I was wishing for this moment for a while,” he said. “It is crazy tennis, it doesn’t happen when you expect it sometimes.
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 and all the ups and downs.
It wasn’t about playing my best tennis today. It was just about coming through in the big moments and I couldn’t have played better. I don’t know what to say, I am very emotional.
Nadal, meanwhile, showed his class with a congratulatory message to his rival after falling short at the final hurdle.
“You played great all week, you deserve it more than anyone else,” he said. “Enjoy your moment. It’s a special moment winning a title. I wish you all the very best for the rest of the season.
“I have been here during the whole week and a half enjoying this amazing place. I really had fun on court. I played some long and good matches. Today wasn’t my best day, but all credit to Nuno. He played very, very well and it was difficult for me, so well done.”
Despite failing to win the Swedish Open, Nadal managed to get some valuable minutes into his legs without picking up any injuries. He will be hoping to carry his momentum into the Olympics after securing wins over Leo Borg, Cameron Norrie, Mariano Navone and Duje Ajdukovic on his way to the final.
