Borges reveals how a part of him wanted Nadal to win in Bastad

Mónica Barberán Munera | 22 Jul 2024 | 15.00

Borges

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Nuno Borges will always remember this past week as one of the best of his career and his life by having won his first ATP title in Bastad and for having done so by defeating Rafa Nadal. The Portuguese player had been showing his great level throughout the tournament, culminating in a great week that will help him take another step in his career. During the press conference, Borges talked about how important this victory was against his childhood idol, of whom he only had very good words. In addition, his admiration for him is so great that he confessed that a small part of him also wanted the Spanish player to win.

- What does it feel like to win against Nadal in the final of Bastad?

“I don't think I have processed this moment yet. I was trying to be very focused and ready to win, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. With Rafa on the other side, I had to put a blindfold on and play him like any other player. And that was the hardest part. Also, being my first final, there was a lot at stake for me, perhaps not so much for him. But I'm sure he really wanted to win too because I know he is a great fighter and he has shown that during this week. I knew I had to fight until the end, for every point. And overall, I'm very happy with how I played,” confessed Nuno Borges during the press conference of the ATP de Bastad after his victory.

- Nothing special to prepare for this match

“I tried to stick to the routines, without changing anything. I have been going to the beach every day with my physiotherapist for about 10-15 minutes, not much. I just enjoyed the routines and, maybe, relaxed my mind a little and didn't think too much about tennis because that happens to me a lot. And I think it worked. I focused on taking it one match at a time. I really didn't have great expectations and I think that helped. I just tried to stick to the same game plan every day, although in the final I felt a little more nervous. Even when I don't feel so nervous, I know that my body acts differently sometimes. But this time I felt great, especially with my physical condition during the tournament and I think that helped me to fight the nerves to play this match”.

- As his idol, did a part of him also want the Spanish player to win?

“Not just me, I think everyone, maybe everyone more than me, but yes, a little bit inside of me. Obviously, I grew up watching Rafa. He turned professional in 2001, when I was 4 years old. So he's been a pro since before I knew tennis and that means a lot. He's still here, playing at a decent level. I know he's not at his best right now, but he still shows what a great fighter he is and I think we all respect him a lot. He is an inspiration, not only for me, but for many players. It meant a lot to share the court with him, but it was also difficult to block that out and play my best tennis because he is who he is, and that matters”.

- History for Portugal

“I think before this final, we had four Portuguese players reaching this round of an ATP tournament. So it means a lot, not only for me, but for Portugal. It's good to show this to the young ones, not only to those who are playing now, but to the younger generation, to those who may want to come and play tennis. I think it's good to see that it's possible. It's not every day, but if you work hard and try hard, maybe you have the opportunity to do this. It's amazing, you look back and see that it's worth it, all the suffering, all the struggle. Of course, not every day is beautiful, but you have to keep looking and, when you least expect it, as I did this week, it happens”.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Borges revela cómo una parte de él quería que Nadal ganara en Bastad