Leo Borg reveals childhood idol Rafael Nadal inspired his tennis career: “I know almost all his results”

Leo Borg, son of 11-time Grand Slam champion Bjorn Borg, expressed his joy after meeting his 'biggest idol' Rafael Nadal. The 21-year-old player, ranked World No. 590, had the opportunity to face the Spaniard three months ago at the Bastad Open, where he received a wildcard.

Before Nadal's rise, Bjorn Borg held the record for the most French Open titles with six, the last of which came in 1981, and few thought anyone could match his feat. However, that record was overwhelmingly surpassed by the now undisputed King of Clay, who has won an almost unbeatable 14 French Open titles.

Despite Nadal surpassing his father’s record, Leo Borg has admitted he has been a huge fan of Nadal since childhood: “He has always been my biggest idol. He is probably the reason why I started playing tennis in the first place. He has a very big place in my heart.”

“As long as I can remember, I have watched all his matches. I know almost all his results. Getting to meet him before he decided to quit was huge for me. It was one of my biggest dreams, and I will remember that for the rest of my life.”

In the first-round match held at the Båstad Tennis Stadium, Nadal was the clear winner with a 6-3, 6-4 victory, as the Spaniard prepared for the Olympic Games. “Great feelings. For me, it has been a huge honour to play against the son of one of the biggest legends in the history of our sport. I think he played quite well, he has a future ahead of him, so I wish him all the very best.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion had a great week, reaching the final in Bastad, but unfortunately, he couldn't crown it with a trophy, losing the title match to Nuno Borges.