Nuno Borges Seals Quarterfinal Spot in Barcelona with Bold Underarm Ace

In a match defined by tactical risk and a polarizing finish, Nuno Borges advanced to the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 de Barcelona on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The Portuguese star defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(4), marking the biggest ATP Tour quarter-final appearance of his career.

Although the scoreline suggests a comfortable victory, the closing moments on Pista Rafa Nadal provided a scene that will be debated by fans and analysts alike. After a grueling battle, Borges opted for one of tennis’ most provocative maneuvers to seal the match: an underarm serve ace on match point.

A High-Stakes Finale on Pista Rafa Nadal

The match reached its crescendo in the second-set tiebreak. Borges, who had been employing a serve-and-volley strategy throughout the contest, found himself on the brink of victory. However, Etcheverry showed immense resilience, saving the first match point by hitting a return winner that bypassed the charging Portuguese player.

Facing a second match point, Borges decided to pivot from his aggressive net-rushing approach. Instead of a traditional delivery, he dropped the ball and executed a perfectly timed underarm serve. The shot caught Etcheverry completely off guard, landing as an ace and ending the match instantly.

The reaction inside the stadium was immediate and divided. The Barcelona crowd, known for its passion, responded with a mix of shock and audible reactions to the ploy. While the tactic is perfectly legal under ATP rules, its employ on a match point at a prestigious event like the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell naturally drew mixed reviews from the stands.

Breaking Recent Ground for Borges

Beyond the controversy of the final point, the victory represents a significant milestone for Nuno Borges. Reaching the quarterfinals of an ATP 500 event is a career-best achievement for the Portuguese player, signaling his growth on the global stage.

Borges controlled much of the match, taking the first set 6-3 before navigating a tighter second set. His ability to mix traditional power with unconventional tactics—including the serve-and-volley and the final underarm serve—proved to be the difference against the Argentine Etcheverry.

For those following the technical side of the game, the underarm serve is often viewed as a tool of desperation or a psychological weapon. In this instance, Borges used it as a surgical strike, exploiting Etcheverry’s positioning to ensure he didn’t have to fight through another long rally.

Match Summary: Borges vs. Etcheverry

The efficiency of Borges’ game was reflected in the final stats provided by the ATP Tour, where he maintained composure through the tiebreak to secure the win.

• Final Score: 6-3, 7-6(4)
• Key Moment: Underarm serve ace on match point
• Venue: Pista Rafa Nadal, Barcelona
• Milestone: Largest ATP Tour quarter-final of Nuno Borges’ career

As reported by Tennis.com, the move was a calculated risk that paid off, though it left the crowd and his opponent stunned.

With this victory, Borges moves deeper into the tournament, carrying significant momentum into the quarterfinals. Whether he continues to employ such provocative tactics remains to be seen, but he has already proven he has the nerves to execute them under the highest pressure.

Borges now awaits his next opponent in the quarterfinals as the tournament continues in Barcelona.

Do you think the underarm serve on match point is a brilliant tactical move or a lack of sportsmanship? Let us understand in the comments below.