Nadal loses to Borges in first final since 2022

Rafael Nadal failed to close out the Swedish Open on a high note after reaching the final of the competition.

The Spaniard reached the final of any competition for the first time since 2022.

Hampered by injuries in recent years, the 38-year-old has dropped to 261st in the rankings and opted not to play at Wimbledon this summer to prioritise the Olympics.

Playing at the Swedish Open, Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, lost to world number 51 Nuno Borges in a crushing 6-3, 6-2 defeat.

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Portugal’s Borges, playing in his first ATP final compared to Nadal’s 131st, won the first set in 46 minutes and won three straight games in the second set to seal victory.

“It’s crazy. I know we all wanted Rafa to win – part of me wanted that too – but there was something bigger inside me that really pushed me today,” said the 27-year-old Borges.

“I have been looking forward to this moment for a long time.

“Overall, I am very happy. I don’t know what to say. I am very emotional.”

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