Rafael Nadal faced a significant setback in his preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics as he was defeated in straight sets by Nuno Borges in the Nordea Open final. The match, held in Sweden, saw the Portuguese seventh seed triumph 6-3, 6-2, marking his first tour-level title.

This was Nadal’s first title match since his triumphant 2022 French Open campaign. The 38-year-old Spaniard, known for his relentless determination and exceptional skill, struggled to find his rhythm against Borges. Nadal’s serve was broken five times in the one-hour and 27-minute contest, underscoring the difficulties he faced on the court.

Nuno Borges, celebrating his maiden tour final victory, played a remarkable match. His consistent performance throughout the week culminated in a well-deserved win against one of tennis’s all-time greats. Borges’s victory is a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Despite the loss, Nadal remained gracious and congratulated Borges on his victory. “Many congratulations to Nuno. You’ve been playing great during the whole week, so you deserve it more than anyone else here… It’s always special winning a title,” said the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Nadal acknowledged his own struggles during the match but gave full credit to Borges for his outstanding play.

Nadal’s appearance at the Nordea Open was part of his preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. The tournament, which will be held at Roland-Garros from July 27 to August 4, is a crucial event for Nadal, who has a storied history with the Olympics. He won an Olympic singles gold medal in Beijing in 2008 and a doubles gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Nadal’s journey back to competitive tennis has been challenging. He missed most of 2023 due to a hip problem and faced a muscle tear earlier this year. Small physical issues affected his preparation for the French Open, where he experienced a first-round exit. He then opted to skip Wimbledon to focus on his preparation for the Olympics.

Looking ahead to Paris 2024, Nadal will team up with four-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles competition. This partnership is highly anticipated, as both players bring immense talent and experience to the court. The duo aims to make a significant impact at the Olympic Games, leveraging their skills and competitive spirit.

Rafael Nadal’s defeat in the Nordea Open final serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and challenges of competitive sports. As he continues to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics, fans and supporters remain hopeful that Nadal will regain his top form and add another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career. The collaboration with Carlos Alcaraz promises exciting matches ahead, as both players strive for Olympic glory.