Almost all of the first-round matches at the Bastad ATP 250 will be played on a busy Tuesday, highlighted by Nuno Borges vs. Moise Kouame. Grigor Dimitrov looks to build on an impressive Wimbledon as he faces Dalibor Svrcina.
(5) Nuno Borges vs. (WC) Moise Kouame
At just 17 years old, Kouame is approaching the top 200 of the ATP rankings (currently No. 211) thanks mostly to a stellar spring at the Futures level and on the main tour. The Frenchman beat Zachary Svajda in round one of the Miami Masters before making a run to round three at Roland Garros. Kouame has also captured three Futures titles in 2026.
Up first for Kouame at the Nordea Open on Tuesday is Borges, whom the teenager has never faced. Borges is also playing well these days, with 16 match victories at the ATP level this season and a ranking of No. 52. Portugal’s top player is a former champion of this event, having famously defeated Rafael Nadal in the 2024 title match. Given Borges’ experience, clay-court prowess, and his confidence at this particular tournament, he should have the edge on Tuesday.
Pick: Borges in 2
Dalibor Svrcina vs. (WC) Grigor Dimitrov
Dimitrov and Svrcina will also be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers on Tuesday. The last 12 months were pretty much a wash for Dimitrov after he infamously suffered a torn pectoral while leading now two-time defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner two sets to a love at the All-England Club. Finally, though, the 35-year-old Bulgarian gathered some momentum with a fourth-round run in SW19 (beat Jakub Mensik and Matteo Berrettini before losing to Arthur Fery).
Although a move from grass to clay probably isn’t ideal, Dimitrov is the essence of an all-court player. A matchup with Svrcina is also favorable, as the 23-year-old Czech is just 9-13 all time on the main tour (3-5 this season) and comes in at 114th in the rankings. Svrcina lost in the Wimbledon first round and then fell to world No. 271 Diego Dedura 6-3, 7-6(3) in round two of last week’s Braunschweig Challenger. Dimitrov has every reason to take care of business in straight sets.
Pick: Dimitrov in 2
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