The journey to a potential third consecutive title in the top 100 ranking just got a step closer for Nuno Borges, currently ranked 36th, after he secured a spot in the semifinals of the ATP Challenger 175 in Phoenix. On Friday, Borges took down American Colton Smith in the quarterfinals with a convincing 2-0 win, wrapping up the match in 1 hour and 15 minutes with scores of 6-4 and 6-4. This victory not only showcases Borges’ skill but also his determination to maintain his title.
As the 28-year-old first seed of the tournament, Borges was expected to dominate against the 22-year-old Smith, who is ranked 261st in the ATP. Living up to his favoritism, Borges secured a straightforward win in two sets, breaking Smith’s serve in the 10th game of the first set in just over half an hour. The Portuguese player, trained by Rui Machado, quickly took the lead, setting the tone for the rest of the match. His strategy and skill on the court were evident as he managed to overcome Smith without much hassle.
The second set saw Borges again taking the lead, breaking Smith’s serve not once but twice. However, Smith refused to back down, managing to equalize the game on both occasions. The real test of Borges’ determination came when he had to dig deep to resolve the match in his favor, which he did by breaking Smith’s serve once more in the 10th game, mirroring his first-set strategy. This win signifies Borges’ 12th consecutive victory in the Arizona Tennis Classic, a testament to his prowess on the fast court.
Now, as the number one national player, Borges is set to face the winner of the match between French player Corentin Moutet, ranked 79th, and Kazakh player Alexander Bublik, ranked 82nd, in the semifinals. This upcoming match will not only decide Borges’ next opponent but also pave the way for what could be a thrilling finale. With his eyes on the prize, Borges is one step closer to achieving his third title, a feat that would solidify his position in the tennis world. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Borges to see if he can maintain his winning streak and make it to the top once again.
