Rafael Nadal vs Nuno Borges

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Rafael Nadal -238 / Nuno Borges +187 Click Here for the Latest Odds

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Rafael Nadal will face Nuno Borges in the final of the 2024 Bastad Open. The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 21, 2024. Here's our Rafael Nadal vs Nuno Borges prediction.

Rafael Nadal vs Nuno Borges Preview

Rafael Nadal reached his first Tour-level final since lifting the 2022 French Open. It's been a long time coming. During those two years, Nadal battled two separate hip injuries and a crisis of confidence. He's also confirmed that he might not play beyond 2024.

But there could still be a silver lining after all this ordeal after showing resilience, perseverance, and character by running the gauntlet this week. He won a four-hour quarterfinal match against Mariano Navone and needed a comeback win in his semifinal against Duje Ajdukovic. Understandably, Nadal pulled out from his doubles match later on Saturday, presumably because of fatigue.

Nuno Borges will have the almighty task of facing the legendary Spaniard. Borges, ranked 51st in the world rankings, defeated Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante 6-3, 6-4 in 70 minutes.

In the victory, Borges hammered three aces to one double fault and landed 69% first serves. He won 82% first-serve points (28/34) and 73% second-serve points (11/15). Borges converted three of six break points in the match. Having won six ATP Challenger titles, Borges will attempt to win his first ATP Tour title on Sunday.

Rafael Nadal vs Nuno Borges Head-To-Head

• Nadal and Borges have never played each other on the ATP Tour.

Rafael Nadal vs Nuno Borges Prediction

Playing in Bastad for the first time since 2005, Nadal joked during the tournament that he was "defending" his title. He didn't return to the Swedish city after winning the event 19 years ago. And he's probably been serious about that statement, given the way he's outmaneuvered his opponents even with a surgically repaired hip. The biggest hindrance to another gusty performance here will be fatigue. But knowing Nadal's grit, he'll most likely find a way against the first-time ATP finalist Borges. Back the Spaniard to lift the 93rd title of his career.