"We all wanted Rafael Nadal to win, a part of me wishes too" - Nuno Borges jokes after beating Spaniard at Nordea Open for maiden ATP title

An emotional Nuno Borges joked that a part of him wanted Rafael Nadal to win after the Portuguese triumphed over him to clinch the maiden ATP title of his career at the 2024 Nordea Open. The 27-year-old dispatched the Spaniard 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and 27 minutes in the summit clash.

Nadal, who seems to have finally found his footing at in Bastad this week, reached the 131st final of his career. En route, he defeated Leo Borg and fifth seed Cameron Norrie in straight sets, survived a four-hour thriller against fourth seed Mariano Navone, and came back from set down again to knock Duje Ajdukovic to reach his first final in over two years.

In the final, the 38-year-old faced seventh seed Nuno Borges, who comfortably defeated the Spaniard to lift the title. The Portuguese only a one set in his entire title run.

During the on-court interview, an emotional Nuno Borges was at a loss for words. The Portuguese joked that much like many, he also wished for the former World No.1's win. However, he was motivated by something bigger that helped him perform at the big moments, and felt that he delivered his performance.

“I don’t know what to say. I think I was wishing for this moment for a while already. Tennis doesn’t happen when you expect it. I know we all wanted Rafa to win. A part of me wishes that too. But something bigger inside me pushed through. It wasn’t about playing my best today, it was about coming up in the big moments. I couldn’t have played better. I’m really emotional.”

"Everyone loves to see Rafael Nadal" - Nuno Borges delivers words of respect for the Spaniard

Rafael Nadal (image source: GETTY)

A nervous Nuno Borges said that it was a dream come true for him to get to play Rafael Nadal on clay in a final and joked that he was in seventh heaven.

“I was nervous already. After Rafa gave that speech, now I’m even more nervous. First time here. I never thought I’d be here playing on a full stadium against Rafa on clay. It’s a dream come true. Right now I’m living in the clouds. I’m somewhere there."

The 27-year-old congratulated Nadal on his run but admitted that it wasn't the Spaniard's best match. Borges told the Spaniard that he was a big inspiration for everyone and told him that players looked up to him for all he had done for the sport.

"I’d like to congratulate Rafa. I told him it wasn’t his best match obviously. Everyone loves to see you competing… People follow you... You’re a big inspiration for everybody. Especially the players that look up to you and all you’ve done.”

Nuno Borges and Rafael Nadal will head to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both men will participate in singles as well as doubles.