World number 51 Nuno Borges triumphed over Rafael Nadal with a score of 6-3 6-2 to capture the Swedish Open title in Bastad.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion from Spain, Rafa Nadal, suffered a notable defeat in his first final since 2022.
Struggling with injuries in recent years, the 38-year-old has dropped to 261 in the ATP rankings and chose to skip Wimbledon this summer to focus on the upcoming Olympics.
Borges, participating in his first ATP final, outperformed Nadal in his 131st final, taking the first set in 46 minutes and winning three consecutive games in the second to clinch the match.
“It’s surreal. I know everyone was hoping for Rafa to win – I felt that too – but a greater part of me pushed through today,” expressed the 27-year-old Borges.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment for quite some time.
“I’m just incredibly happy overall. I truly don’t know what to say. I’m feeling very emotional.”
The tennis event for the Olympics is set to begin in Paris on 27 July.
Nadal has mentioned that competing at Roland Garros, where he has claimed 14 French Open titles, is his “primary goal” this year.
