Nuno Borges reveals his mixed emotions after beating Nadal in Bastad: “We all wanted Rafa to win”

Nuno Borges commented that he wanted Rafael Nadal to win in the final of the Bastad Open, even though the Portuguese player was fighting for his first professional title. Borges, 27, defeated the 22-time Grand Slam champion on Sunday with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 after a demanding week for the Spaniard.

The former world No. 1 seemed fatigued after a difficult week. Borges secured several early breaks, giving him a comfortable lead in the first set, and despite Nadal's response with a couple of breaks throughout the set, it wasn't enough for a comeback. Although the second set started evenly, Borges ultimately won four consecutive games to clinch the title.

Emotional Borges clinches maiden title

Borges won the first ATP 250 title of his career and will reach the highest ranking of his career as world No. 42 starting Monday. For Nadal, the good week he had by reaching his first final in more than two years allows him to recover some positions to No. 161.

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"I don't know what to say, I think I was wishing for this moment for a while," Nuno Borges commented after winning the title. "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."

Rafa Nadal at 2024 Bastad Open.

Nadal played almost 7 hours in the last two days with the epic duel against Mariano Navone and the battle against Duje Adjukovic in the semifinals. Despite the disappointment, the Spaniard praised his opponent and wished him luck for the future: "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.

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"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."

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NUNO BORGES DERROTOU NADAL E CONQUISTA O PRIMEIRO TORNEIO ATP DA CARREIRA, EM BÅSTAD! 🏆

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