WATCH: “I am defending the title”- Rafael Nadal jokes after beating Leo Borg in his first appearance at Nordea Open since 2005

Rafael Nadal last won the Nordea Open in 2005. It was his first match since Roland Garros exit.

WATCH: “I am defending the title”- Rafael Nadal jokes after beating Leo Borg in his first appearance at Nordea Open since 2005

Leo Borg, Rafael Nadal (Images via Imago)

Rafael Nadal has played his first match of the Nordea Open, the tournament in Sweden where he is participating to prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Nadal, who missed the Wimbledon Championships to play Nordea Open, made an impressive comeback by securing an easy win over home favorite Leo Borg on July 16.

“I am defending the title,” said Nadal and laughed as he last won the tournament 19 years ago (in 2005)! Nadal defeated Borg, who is also the son of tennis legend, Bjorn Borg, in the first round with scores of 6-3, 6-4. After the match, Nadal praised the 21-year-old Borg and wished him well for the future. 

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For me, it has been a huge honor to play against the son of one of the biggest legends in the history of our sport. I think he played quite well, he has a great future in front. I wish him all the very best. 
Rafael Nadal said after the match 

When Nadal was asked about whether he learned some tactics from Bjorn Borg, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said he texted the 68-year-old as he is also the Laver Cup captain. 

That's right, he is my [Laver Cup] captain, I haven't been playing a lot of tennis the last few months, I need victories for confidence. If he is a good captain, today it was for me.
Rafael Nadal added 

This match was Nadal’s first one since his Roland Garros first-round exit. He lost to Alexander Zverev in straight sets who then went on to reach the final but got beaten by World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz in an epic five sets. Zverev became only the third player to beat Nadal at the Roland Garros. 

Rafael Nadal will next face Cameron Norrie

Rafael Nadal will face some challenges in the next round as he is set to face Britain’s Cameron Norrie. Norrie, who is fifth seed in the tournament, got knocked out of the Wimbledon third round after a three-set loss to Alexander Zverev. 

Leo Borg, Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

The 28-year-old Brit defeated Jozef Kovalik to set up the clash with Nadal. Nadal and Norrie have played each other five times with the former winning four of those matches. 

Their last meeting was in the 2023 United Cup, the only match Norrie won. They have also met in two Grand Slam events, in 2021 Roland Garros and the Australian Open in the same year. 

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