"Tougher than Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon draw" - Fans react to Rafael Nadal's Nordea Open draw, starting with 1R against Bjorn Borg's son Leo

Rafael Nadal (L) Novak Djokovic (R). (Source: GETTY)
Rafael Nadal (L) Novak Djokovic (R). (Source: GETTY)

The upcoming Nordea Open's draw took place on Saturday, July 13. Rafael Nadal will take on Bjorn Borg's son Leo in the first round and can potentially come up against fifth seed Cameron Norrie in the second. Fans joked that the draw was tougher than what Novak Djokovic faced at Wimbledon 2024.

Nadal participated in three claycourt tournaments in April and May before playing in the French Open. The Spaniard was defeated by fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the first round.

The 38-year-old prioritized the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris and withdrew from Wimbledon, citing the change of surface as a hindrance. He is participating in the Nordea Open in Bastad in preparation for the Games. This will be the first time Nadal plays in the ATP 250 tournament since he won it in 2005.

Nadal will take on Leo Borg in the first round of the Nordea Open on July 15. His run to the final includes potential matches against Cameron Norrie, Mariano Navone, Casper Ruud, and Andrey Rublev.

An X account posted Nadal's Nordea Open draw and many fans mentioned that it is tougher than what Djokovic faced at Wimbledon.

"It's harder than Djokovic's Wimbledon draw, by the way," one fan wrote.
"Tougher than someone's Wimbledon draw #WIMBLEDON," another fan wrote.
"Tougher than Djokovic's Wimbledon draw," a third fan wrote.

Here are some more reactions to Nadal's draw.

"Excellent draw for a change," one fan wrote.
"Decent draw.. Hope we get Nadal vs Nagal," another fan wrote.
'WE'LL BE THERE (Nice draw)," a third fan wrote.

Djokovic will be playing the Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, July 14. He faced three unseeded opponents before going up against 15th seed Holger Rune.

The Serb received a walkover in the quarterfinal as ninth seed Alex de Minaur had to withdraw due to injury. Djokovic defeated 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals. Seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz, who was on Djokovic's side of the draw also withdrew due to injury early on.


Rafael Nadal practiced with Bjorn Borg's son Leo ahead of Nordea Open in Bastad

Rafael Nadal during the 2024 French Open. (Source: GETTY)
Rafael Nadal during the 2024 French Open. (Source: GETTY)

Rafael Nadal arrived in Bastad, Sweden, on July 10 with his family. He has been practicing regularly and was spotted with Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg's son Leo on Friday, July 12. Nadal was also spotted practicing with Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

The 38-year-old will take on Leo on Monday, July 15. Interestingly, the 21-year-old, who considers Nadal his idol, won his first ATP tour-level match on his home soil in the Nordea Open last year.

Nadal is also participating in the doubles event in Bastad with Casper Ruud. The Spaniard will play in the doubles event at the Olympics with Carlos Alcaraz.

What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here

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Edited by Pritha Ghosh
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