For many ATP stars, their fathers play a far more crucial role in their success than one might initially expect. Legendary tennis players like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and many others deeply regard their dads as the “first coach and mentor”. However, they are not the only ones who are blessed with such athletic fathers. Looking at the rising ATP star Nuno Borges‘ background, the role of his father is nothing less than a hit story worth being filmed.

Borges started playing tennis at the age of six at a local club in Maia, Portugal. His parents, Virginia and Paolo, played a huge role in his growing phase. Paolo, his dad, was not just any parent but possessed a strong profile of athleticism himself. He is known to be a former national champion in volleyball, an achievement that worked for him when it came to passing the legacy ahead.

“My father gave me the first few steps into sport,” Borges himself affirmed in an interview. “I would throw so many tantrums when young. I would be such a sore loser after matches. And I think my dad helped me a lot, knowing how it is to go through losing, winning, preparing.” However, despite making it clear that it was his father who introduced him to the sport, the ATP star said that he was never forced to make a decision for his own life. “But I guess he always let me choose whatever sport I picked,” he added.

This freedom and support from Paolo came out to be crucial for Nuno. Although he had various coaches throughout his journey so far, Paolo remained a constant source of guidance. Borges also took moments to recall how his father’s experience in sports helped him with a head start in the tennis world. “I liked to be the one in charge and to be responsible for my own result. Even though tennis is not absolutely like that, it is a little,” Borges explained.

After a memorable span of preparing him for the challenges, Nuno was then handed over to Mississippi State University, where he played with determination and therefore reached the NCAA singles final in 2019 along with earning a degree in kinesiology. Fast forward to today.

Now, Borges stands at the door of his first career final at the ATP Bastad Open where he will face none other than the “King of Clay”. This match against Nadal is not just an addition to his own portfolio but is also a green flag to the efforts made by his father. Although Paolo has been associated with Nuno right from the start, he still relies on a different entity for motivational advice.

“You don’t win when you…” Borges shares lively advice from his coach

It has been nearly five years since Borges turned pro. Although there was a notable span that he spent training with his dad, the professional training was carried out by his coach Rui Machado. However, it seems like besides just helping him with the technicalities of the sport, his coach has also been a strong psychological influence.

On being asked about a piece of advice that has moved him always, he stated one from Machado. “My coach Rui Machado told me that you don’t win when you want to, you win when you’re able to do it. It sounds better in Portuguese: Não é quando queres, é quando consegues. Sometimes you can feel great in a match, the conditions are great and everything is aligned for you to win, but somehow you don’t. And when you least expect it, you’re able to do it,” he said.

Currently, at 27 years of age, the Portuguese ATP star has come a long way in navigating through the challenges. However, despite the achievements, his father’s role in the initiation of a massive tennis career is unforgettable.