"He has a future in front" says Rafael Nadal on Leo Borg, calls Bjorn Borg one of the biggest legends in tennis history

Rafael Nadal managed to surge past Leo Borg 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday afternoon to make a successful return to the ATP Tour at the Nordea Open in Sweden.

Nadal played doubles with Casper Ruud as the starter and the main course was a clash against Borg and hew as pleased with how he performed in the aftermath.

"Great feelings," he said in his on court interview after his win.

Read also

King of Clay Rafael Nadal defeats son of a legend Leo Borg to open Bastad Open campaign

"It's true that there have been some on and off conditions in terms of weather, but we are lucky that we have been able to play the whole match without rain today. I'm happy for that."

He last appeared at Bastad during the start of his career in 2005 and won the title a few times so joked that he is defending it this week.

"I'm defending the title," he joked, before adding: "Playing in front of a full crowd like this means a lot to me. It gives me energy to keep practicing every day. Even in the tougher moments, I have been able to keep going with the help of the team.

"The fans have a huge impact on that. They give me an amazing energy. Today, I have to say thank you very much to the Spanish followers here, but especially the Swedish, since I haven't been able to play here since a long time ago."

But also he lauded not only Leo Borg but also his father Bjorn Borg after sealing the win saying that the former has a bright future in the sport.

"For me, it was a huge honour to play against the son of one of the biggest legends in the history of our sport," he concluded.

"I think he played quite well. He has a future in front. I wish him all the very best."

ATP Tour

@atptour

·Follow

BACK in Bastad 😁 @RafaelNadal with a sharp start in Sweden @NordeaOpen | #NordeaOpen

1.1K

Reply

Copy link

Read 18 replies