BASTAD, Sweden (AFP) – Rafael Nadal lost his first final in two years on Sunday, falling 6-3, 6-2 to Nuno Borges of Portugal at the clay-court Bastad Open.
The Spanish tennis legend had shown indications of regaining form in Scandinavia, making an astonishing run to the final just one week before the Olympic Games begin on the clay in Paris.
However, instead of celebrating his 64th triumph on the surface and first since Roland Garros 2022, Nadal was overwhelmed by seventh seed Borges, who battled to establish consistency with his serve and ground strokes.
“Many congratulations to Nuno,” Nadal remarked.
