SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Nadal: "An honor to play against the legend's son"

Leo Borg stretched against what he could against the former world number one Rafael Nadal. In the end, it was still the Spaniard who won (6–3, 6–4) in front of a delighted audience. It's an honor to have gotten to play against the son of one of the greatest legends in our sport, says Nadal.

» Updated: 14 September 2024, 01:55

» Published: 16 July 2024

Nadal: "An honor to play against the legend's son"
Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

Leo Borg stretched against what he could against the former world number one Rafael Nadal.

In the end, it was still the Spaniard who won (6–3, 6–4) in front of an enthralled audience.

It's an honor to have gotten to play against the son of one of the greatest legends in our sport, says Nadal.

The stands were full when Rafael Nadal entered the singles tournament in Båstad. Although Leo Borg, son of tennis legend Björn Borg, had home advantage, it was as if the audience was still on the Spaniard's side. There were Spanish flags, Spanish national team jerseys, and occasionally shouts of "Go Rafa" from the otherwise so polite audience.

It was a good match. He played well, I did my job. The important thing for me was to move on, says Nadal after the match.

Hanging in the Air

The rain was hanging in the air and the court had received some rainfall in the past few days. At one point, Nadal slipped and fell in the gravel.

The court becomes slippery and it's hard to find the right balance when you hit. Maybe it's not as fun tennis because it's not possible to move around in the same way, he says.

The important thing for the day was to win and move on to the next round.

I'm trying to defend the title I won here 19 years ago.

Revelation at the Press Conference

Leo Borg came with a revelation at the press conference afterwards.

It was fantastic to play against him. It's been my dream. It was he who got me started playing tennis, he says.

He takes a pause.

Maybe someone else has also had something to do with it, he adds, referring to his dad.

Despite the loss, he's still satisfied with his performance.

I did my best. I felt like I was with him at times, but I couldn't quite keep up with his pace, he admits.

Björn Borg was not present. But he watched the match on TV in Spain.

He greeted and said he thought it was a good match, says Leo Borg.

The match will be counted among the historic encounters on the center court in Båstad. The former world number one Nadal against the legend Björn Borg's son. The organizers couldn't have wished for a better encounter.

In the next round, Nadal will meet Briton Cameron Norrie.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Confirmed: Superstar Placed on Injury List
1 MIN READ

Confirmed: Superstar Placed on Injury List

Uefa acknowledges: Isak was robbed of a goal
1 MIN READ

Uefa acknowledges: Isak was robbed of a goal

Romania awarded victory - negatively affects Sweden
2 MIN READ

Romania awarded victory - negatively affects Sweden

These are the candidates for the Jerring Award
1 MIN READ

These are the candidates for the Jerring Award

The Men's Attitude Inspires in the Hunt for a European Championship Spot
2 MIN READ

The Men's Attitude Inspires in the Hunt for a European Championship Spot

Back problems stop Italian star
1 MIN READ

Back problems stop Italian star

Vieira takes over crisis club in Italy
1 MIN READ

Vieira takes over crisis club in Italy

Top Allsvenskan Player Retires
2 MIN READ

Top Allsvenskan Player Retires

The Star's Response to Criticism: "Never Been Better"
2 MIN READ

The Star's Response to Criticism: "Never Been Better"

The Hope of a European Championship Semifinal Lives On After the Victory
1 MIN READ

The Hope of a European Championship Semifinal Lives On After the Victory

Frustrated - but at the same time not surprised
2 MIN READ

Frustrated - but at the same time not surprised

The Bronze Hero Nicolina Pernheim Goodrich: "Shocked and Very Sad"
4 MIN READ

The Bronze Hero Nicolina Pernheim Goodrich: "Shocked and Very Sad"

Palestine earned a point against the leader
1 MIN READ

Palestine earned a point against the leader

Ludvig Åberg can be awarded for Masters performance
1 MIN READ

Ludvig Åberg can be awarded for Masters performance

Penalties decided after Swedish goals
1 MIN READ

Penalties decided after Swedish goals

"It's incredible - he's a goal machine"
2 MIN READ

"It's incredible - he's a goal machine"

Tomasson on the future: "We can reach far"
3 MIN READ

Tomasson on the future: "We can reach far"

British media: Pep stays at City
1 MIN READ

British media: Pep stays at City

Isak's harsh criticism: "Worst I've seen"
2 MIN READ

Isak's harsh criticism: "Worst I've seen"

The Giant Talent's Nightmare: Subbed off Injured
1 MIN READ

The Giant Talent's Nightmare: Subbed off Injured