Rafael Nadal played a final in an ATP tournament for the first time since Roland Garros 2022. He did it at the Bastad Open after getting rid of the local player and son of the legend Leo Borg in the first round and Cameron Norrie in the round of 16 without losing any set, the Spaniard suffered a lot in the quarterfinals against Mariano Navone and in the semis against Duje Ajdukovic.
Facing him was Nuno Borges, who had only lost one set in the tournament against his compatriot Henrique Rocha and who had also beaten Andrea Pellegrino, Timofey Skatov and Thiago Agustin Tirante. The Portuguese lifted his first ATP title after a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win over the Spanish and world tennis legend.
In the finalist's speech, he started with the protocol congratulations to the winner: “Good afternoon everyone. First of all congratulations to Nuno. You played great all week. You deserve it more than anyone else. Enjoy your moment. It’s a special moment winning a title. I wish you all the very best for the rest of the season.”
He went on to talk about his feelings during the week: “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.”
He thanked each and every member of the organization: "I don't want to forget anyone. The first thing I want to do is to thank the whole organization here in Bastad for making me feel at home every time I have been here during my career. 2005 was the last time I was here, I come back 19 years later and I see that the tournament has grown but at the same time it keeps this family atmosphere. It's a great thing to see and I wanted to say thank you so much for the hospitality and the welcome, to everyone who has been with us off the court as well. You guys do an amazing job and myself, my team and my family couldn't be more grateful for what you have done for us all week. Thank you so much."
He did not forget his team and family: "To my team and family.. I can’t thank you enough for everything. It hasn’t been easy moments the last few years. Even in the low moments, my team and family have been with me every single day, helping me in every way. Thank you so much everybody for being there all the time. I feel privileged to be able to play in front of an amazing crowd. Thank you for all the support the whole week. You made me feel special on court and gave me a lot of energy in the tough moments. I don’t know if I’ll be back here playing. Probably not. But I enjoyed being back and playing here one more time, without a doubt.”
HISTÓRIA! CAMPEÃO! 🏆🇵🇹 Nuno Borges é o campeão do ATP 250 de 🇸🇪 Bastad depois de vencer 🇪🇸 Rafael NADAL na final por 6-3 6-2 numa exibição memorável! 🏆 PRIMEIRO título da carreira e superando o Rei da Terra Batida e um dos maiores tenistas da história! 😱 INACREDITÁVEL!
