“I’m good” - Rafael Nadal jokes about defending his title in Bastad after 19 years, dispatches Leo Borg to kick off campaign in style

Rafael Nadal joked about defending his title at the 2024 Nordea Open after defeating Leo Borg in the opening round. The Spaniard returned to the event 19 years after winning and clinching the title in Bastad.

The 38-year-old Nadal, who returned to clay after 681 days at the Barcelona Open, had a relatively disappointing clay swing by his standards. He competed at the Madrid Masters, Rome Masters, and the French Open, following which he decided to skip the grass swing as he wanted to continue his preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics, which will be held in Roland Garros.

Nadal, the former World No. 1 entered the Nordea Open 19 years after his triumph and kicked off his run against tennis legend Bjorn Borg's son, Leo Borg. The 2005 champion decimated the young Swede 6-3, 6-4 in just an hour and 25 minutes.

During the on-court interview, Nadal was asked how he was feeling after winning the match. The 38-year-old said that he was feeling good and joked about defending the title after 19 years, leaving the crowd in splits.

“I’m good. I am defending the title after (19 years),” the Spaniard said.

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Rafael Nadal will face Cameron Norrie in Nordea Open 2R, into the quarterfinals in doubles alongside Casper Ruud

Rafael Nada land Casper Ruud (image source: GETTY)

Rafael Nadal will play fifth seed, Cameron Norrie in the second round of the 2024 Nordea Open. The two men will face each other for the fifth time in their careers, with the Spaniard having a 4-1 lead. He won the first four consecutive matches, but the Brit defeated Nadal in their most recent meeting at the United Cup. On clay, they have played two matches, with the Spaniard emerging victorious in both.

Nadal is also taking part in the doubles event of the Nordea Open. He has teamed up with his protege, Casper Ruud.

With his sights set on doubles gold at the Paris Olympics alongside rising star Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal is using the Nordea Open as a crucial warm-up tournament. While Casper Ruud, his teammate in Bastad, isn't a regular doubles player, he readily accepted the chance to partner with the Spanish legend.

"Rafa sent a text and asked. I don’t usually play doubles, but when Rafa asks, it’s easy to say yes," Casper Ruud said.

The duo comfortably ousted Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela and Guido Andreozzi 6-1, 6-4 in the opening round and will now face the pair of Theo Arribage and Roman Safiullin in the quarterfinals.