Rafael Nadal made a stunning return to the Bastad clay courts at the 2024 Nordea Open, marking his first appearance since his 2005 victory. The 22-time Grand Slam champion displayed his dominance by defeating Leo Borg in the Round of 32 with a decisive 6-3, 6-4 win. This event also marks Nadal’s return after a disappointing exit from the 2024 French Open. Alongside Casper Ruud, Nadal showcased his doubles prowess, overcoming Miguel Angel Reyes Varela and Guido Andreozzi with a 6-1, 6-4 victory in the first round.
Reflecting on his return to Bastad, Nadal shared fond memories of his previous visits, expressing his enjoyment of the week and hope for continued success. Off the court, Nadal was seen enjoying the Bastad players’ dinner with his team and fellow competitors, exuding a chic and relaxed demeanor.
In the upcoming quarterfinals of men’s doubles, Nadal and Ruud will face the team of Theo Arribage and Roman Safiullin. In singles, Nadal is set to compete against Cameron Norrie in the Round of 16 on July 18.
Looking ahead, Nadal is preparing for his return to the US Open, having secured a spot through a protected ranking after missing last year’s tournament. His last victory at the US Open was in 2019, adding to his wins in 2010, 2013, and 2017. Despite recent successes on clay, questions remain about Nadal’s form on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Nadal’s upcoming participation in the US Open, which starts on August 26, marks his first Grand Slam appearance since his early exit at the 2024 French Open. Having withdrawn from Wimbledon and setting sights on the Paris Olympics, Nadal’s journey continues to captivate fans worldwide.