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.
