Nuno Borges was in inspired form today, and has been all week, overcoming Rafael Nadal in straight sets to win the Swedish Open.
The Portuguese star has endured a long and arduous tennis career, but was still without an ATP title at the start of this week despite having earned success in the challengers circuit.
However, when he saw the draw boasted stars like Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and Rafael Nadal, he couldn’t have been too confident.
Yet he has overcome them all to claim the silverware, and reacted immediately on the court afterwards.
Nuno Borges comments on Swedish Open crowd after beating Rafael Nadal
Having overcome the legendary Spaniard in straight sets, Borges made history on Swedish soil to claim his first-ever ATP title at the age of 27.
He was good value for the win, and it was clear that Nadal was not at his best, having endured a gruelling week including a win over Mariano Navone that lasted just shy of four hours.
There was bound to be some kind of physical pushback, and at 38 years old, that was especially prevalent.
His serve failed him and he just could not compete with a younger, fresher opponent. That does not diminish from his greatness, despite sacrificing another draw for this match as Nadal pulled out of his doubles match with Ruud.
However, Borges did have something to say on the crowd’s clear favouritism in his post-match interview, noting: ‘Amazing atmosphere. I know they all wanted Rafa to win but they still managed to never do anything crazy. Just so, so friendly. Everybody enjoying the tennis. I played really great and really proud of everything. I am loving Bastad, first time in Sweden, undefeated! I love it.’
A historic day for Portuguese tennis
As the number one ranked Portuguese tennis player, there is a hefty burden on the shoulders of this star despite his country hardly boasting the richest history of success in the sport.
In fact, just this year he became the first Portuguese player to reach the fourth round of either singles draw at the Australian Open when he overcame Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Grigor Dimitrov.
But, in winning this title, he has further cemented himself as one of the greatest tennis exports from this country, and did so against Nadal no less.
There are very few players on the planet who can boast the title of having overcome the 22-time Grand Slam champion, let alone in a final and in straight sets.
Borges has written himself into the history books today, and handled his victory with remarkable grace afterwards.
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