Nearly 20 years after his breakthrough, Rafael Nadal is back in Båstad.
The stadium was full when the Spanish clay-court king entered the doubles tournament, and now Leo Borg awaits in the singles.
It's clearly a special feeling to play against the son of Björn, says the 38-year-old.
When Rafael Nadal broke through in 2005, Båstad was one of eleven ATP tournaments the young Spaniard won that year. He came to Sweden back then after taking his first Grand Slam title in his career after winning the French Championships on clay in Paris.
Nineteen years later, Nadal is back in Båstad for the first time.
I have wonderful memories from Båstad, says the 38-year-old at a press conference after winning in the first round of the doubles tournament with Norwegian Casper Ruud.
"Right decision for me"
On Tuesday, the 22-time Grand Slam winner is expected to enter the singles tournament's first round, where Leo Borg, son of Swedish tennis legend Björn Borg, awaits.
I texted when I saw the draw that I need some confidence before the Laver Cup. I have to talk about his son to get some tactical advice, says Rafael Nadal in a joking tone.
Borg the elder is captain of the European team that Nadal will play with in the Laver Cup in September.
In the end, it's a first round for me, but it's clearly a special feeling to meet the son of Björn.
Nadal chose to skip the grass season and thus Wimbledon, which his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz won for the second year in a row on Sunday. This opened up the opportunity to play on clay in Båstad.
It was the right decision for me to be here. It's part of my preparations for the OS in Paris. I can't give an exact explanation for why I chose Båstad, but it's almost 20 years since last, says Nadal.
The OS tournament will be played on the Roland Garros clay in the French capital – where Nadal has won 14 of his Grand Slam titles. In the OS, Nadal will play singles, but also doubles with 21-year-old Alcaraz.
I'm looking forward to playing on Roland Garros in the OS. It gives me extra motivation.
After a few injury-plagued years, Nadal has dropped to around 260th place in the world rankings. He has hinted that this might be his last season, but has not given a definitive answer about his future.
Wishing for sun
Nadal has been on site in Båstad for training since the middle of last week and now looks forward to a long tournament.
It's going to be a tough week. The tennis court is quite heavy, but it's part of the game.
He does, however, have a wish after experiencing the classic Swedish summer weather.
A few more hours of sun would be wonderful, says Rafael Nadal and laughs.
Born: June 3, 1986.
Turned pro: 2001.
Grand Slam record: 14 titles in the French Championships (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022), 4 titles in the US Open (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019), 2 titles in Wimbledon (2008, 2010), 2 titles in the Australian Open (2009, 2010).
ATP titles total: 92, of which 63 on clay.
OS record: Gold in singles 2008, gold in doubles with Marc López 2016. Also participated in singles 2016, but lost the bronze match.
