Rafael Nadal: ‘Great feelings’ as Spaniard defeats Leo Borg to set up Cameron Norrie clash at Nordea Open – Eurosport

Rafael Nadal made a successful return to the ATP Tour as he beat Leo Borg 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the Nordea Open in Sweden.

He opted to miss Wimbledon in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, while he has been restricted to just five tournaments this year.

But he looked like he had never been away as he held his first service game to love, before breaking his opponent for a 3-1 lead early in the first set.

That paved the way for a smooth opening for Nadal, who, on his favourite surface, clay, registered more winners and fewer unforced errors than his opponent.

And after breaking serve for a second time in the opening game of the second set, the match was only going one way.

“Great feelings,” he said in his on court interview.

“It’s true that there have been some on and off conditions in terms of weather, but we are lucky that we have been able to play the whole match without rain today. I’m happy for that.”

It was an encouraging display from Nadal, who although not at peak level, did not face a single break point across the duration of the match.

His last singles action came when losing to Alexander Zverev at the third-round stage of the French Open in May.

But he registered just one unforced error in the second set, as he eased into the second round in Sweden.

That means he remains on course to lift the trophy for the first time since 2005 – when he last appeared in Bastad.

“I’m defending the title,” he joked, before adding: “Playing in front of a full crowd like this means a lot to me.

“It gives me energy to keep practicing every day. Even in the tougher moments, I have been able to keep going with the help of the team.

“The fans have a huge impact on that. They give me an amazing energy.

“Today, I have to say thank you very much to the Spanish followers here, but especially the Swedish, since I haven’t been able to play here since a long time ago.”

The tournament is part of Nadal’s preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games, which get underway in Paris later this month.

The men’s tennis competition starts on July 27, and the Spaniard will be hoping to win his second gold medal – 16 years after tasting glory in Beijing.

Next up is No. 5 seed Cameron Norrie, who booked his place in the second round with a straight-sets victory over Jozef Kovalik on Monday.

Nadal though had plenty of words of encouragement for opponent Borg, though, whose dad has captained Nadal on Laver Cup duty.

“For me, it was a huge honour to play against the son of one of the biggest legends in the history of our sport,” he concluded.

“I think he played quite well. He has a future in front. I wish him all the very best.”