Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nuno Borges (tennis)

How Nuno Borges (tennis) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nuno Borges is a Portuguese professional tennis player who achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 30 on September 9, 2024, and a doubles ranking of No. 69 on September 19, 2022. He currently holds the distinction of being the No. 1 ranked player from Portugal.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 2015: ITF Juniors Ranking

On 13 April 2015, Nuno Borges achieved a combined ITF juniors ranking of world No. 44.

2015: Borges at Mississippi State University

In 2015, Borges began playing US college tennis at Mississippi State University.

2017: SEC Player of the Year Award

In 2017, Borges won the SEC Player of the Year Award while at Mississippi State University.

2018: SEC Player of the Year Award

In 2018, Borges won the SEC Player of the Year Award while at Mississippi State University.

2019: Awards and Honors

In 2019, Borges was NCAA singles runner-up and Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Player of the Year as a player of the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

2021: ATP Debut at Estoril Open

In 2021, Borges made his ATP debut at the Estoril Open, defeating Jordan Thompson to win his first ATP match and losing against Marin Čilić in the second round.

2021: ATP Challenger Titles

In 2021, Borges won two ATP Challenger singles and nine doubles titles with Francisco Cabral, including a record doubles of six.

September 2022: US Open Success and Top 100 Ranking

In September 2022, Borges qualified for the US Open, won his first-round match against Ben Shelton, and reached the second round in doubles. As a result, he moved into the top 100 in singles and top 70 in doubles on 12 September 2022.

September 2022: Achieved Career-High Doubles Ranking

In September 2022, Nuno Borges achieved a doubles ranking of No. 69.

2022: French Open Main Draw Debut

At the 2022 French Open, Borges qualified to make his Grand Slam main draw singles debut.

2022: Wimbledon Championships

In 2022, Borges qualified for his second Grand Slam at the Wimbledon Championships as a lucky loser after Marin Čilić's withdrawal. He also reached the second round in doubles with Cabral.

2022: Estoril Open Second Round

In 2022, Borges reached the second round of the Estoril Open as a wildcard, losing to Frances Tiafoe after Pablo Andújar's retirement.

2022: Top 100 in Doubles & ATP Title at Estoril Open

In 2022, Borges reached the top 100 in doubles after winning his first ATP title at the Estoril Open with Francisco Cabral, defeating Jamie Murray and Michael Venus. They became the first Portuguese pair to win the final at their home tournament.

2023: First Masters 1000 Win & French Open Win

In 2023, Borges earned his first Masters 1000 win over Dušan Lajović at the Italian Open and defeated John Isner for his first win at the French Open.

2023: Australian Open Debut

In 2023, Borges made his debut at the Australian Open, where he lost in the first round to Lorenzo Sonego.

2023: Delray Beach Open

In 2023, Borges qualified for the main draw at the Delray Beach Open, defeating Steve Johnson in the first round but losing in the second round to Miomir Kecmanović.

2023: Monterrey Challenger and Phoenix Challenger Wins

In 2023, Borges won his first title of the season at the Monterrey Challenger and later won the first ATP Challenger 175 category at the Phoenix Challenger, reaching the top 70 in rankings. He then qualified for the 2023 Miami Open.

August 2024: National Bank Open and Cincinnati Open Success

In August 2024, Borges defeated Miomir Kecmanović and upset Ugo Humbert at the National Bank Open, reaching the top 40 in rankings on 12 August 2024. He then qualified for the Cincinnati Open, defeating Adrian Mannarino and moving into the top 35 in the rankings on 19 August 2024.

September 2024: Achieved Career-High ATP Singles Ranking

In September 2024, Nuno Borges achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 30.

2024: First ATP Tour Title at Swedish Open

In 2024, Borges reached his first ATP Tour final at the Swedish Open, defeating Rafael Nadal to win his first ATP title. He became the ninth first-time ATP Tour champion for 2024 and the fifth man to beat Nadal in a clay court final.

2024: Australian Open Fourth Round & Challenger Title Defense

In 2024, Borges reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, defeating multiple seeded players, becoming the first Portuguese player to do so. He also defended his Challenger 175 title at the Arizona Tennis Classic. As a result he became the second Portuguese tennis player to break into the top 50 of the ATP rankings.