Nuno Borges produced one of the most talked-about moments of the Barcelona Open after sealing victory with a daring underarm ace on match point, a bold decision that divided opinion across the tennis world.
The moment came on Pista Rafa Nadal as Borges served for the match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry. After Etcheverry saved the first match point with a sharp return winner, Borges opted for an unexpected approach on the second.
Instead of a traditional serve, the Portuguese player used a soft underarm delivery that dropped just over the net into the deuce court. Etcheverry, positioned deep behind the baseline, was left stranded and unable to react in time as Borges closed out a 6-3, 7-6 (3) win to reach the quarterfinals.
The stadium reacted with a mix of surprise and disapproval, while Etcheverry stood in disbelief after the match-ending point. The unconventional finish immediately became a major talking point among fans and analysts.
Reactions to the shot were sharply divided. Some praised Borges for creativity and awareness, arguing that the underarm serve is a legal tactical option that punishes an opponent’s court positioning. Others viewed it as disrespectful in such a high-pressure moment, reigniting long-running debate about etiquette in tennis.
Regardless of opinion, Borges’ decision ensured the match will be remembered for more than the scoreline, adding another dramatic moment to a tournament already full of storylines.
