Nuno Borges Advances in Australian Open with Dominant Win

MELBOURNE, Australia — Portuguese tennis star Nuno Borges secured a commanding victory over Australia’s Jordan Thompson in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The match, held at Melbourne Park‘s John Cain Arena, ended with scores of 6-3, 6-2, and 6-4, marking Borges’ second consecutive year advancing to the tournament’s third round.

Borges, currently ranked 33rd in the ATP standings, delivered a masterclass performance against the 27th-seeded Thompson. The Portuguese player dominated from the baseline, hitting 31 winners compared to Thompson’s 14, and saved two break points in a tense third set. The victory was Borges’ sixth of the year and his first without dropping a set.

“I felt in control throughout the match,” Borges said in a post-match interview. “I served well, stayed consistent, and managed to handle the pressure when it mattered most.”

This win continues Borges’ impressive run at the Australian Open, where he made history last year by becoming the first Portuguese player to reach the fourth round. His next challenge will be a highly anticipated match against Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, who is aiming to complete a career Grand Slam at just 21 years old.

Borges and Thompson had faced off twice before, with Borges emerging victorious on both occasions. This latest encounter, however, marked their first meeting at the elite level of men’s tennis. Thompson, who holds a higher ranking in both singles and doubles, was unable to counter Borges’ aggressive play and precision.

The match was briefly interrupted by rain in the third set, but Borges maintained his composure to close out the win. “I knew I had to stay focused, especially when the weather threatened to disrupt the rhythm,” Borges added. “I’m proud of how I handled the situation.”

Borges’ victory also ties him with Michelle Larcher de Brito for the most appearances by a Portuguese player in the third round of a Grand Slam. With his sights set on another deep run, Borges will look to continue his ascent in the rankings and make further history in Melbourne.