359-ranked Borg saved two match points before 35-ranked Djere settled with an exquisite set-piece.
– It was the first time I played in Stockholm and Leo showed at times how well he can play. I am satisfied and happy with my effort, says Djere in the interview on the track in SVT’s broadcast.
He controlled by placing the ball at the lines and made it difficult for Borg. Six double faults for Borg were a few too many.
“Perhaps the best that Borg has met”
– Borg struggled but faced a clearly better opponent, perhaps the best he faced, says SVT Sports expert Magnus Gustafsson.
In the third round of the US Open just over a month ago, Djere was 2-0 in sets against compatriot and eventual winner Novak Djokovic.
Father Björn Borg watched the match on site in the Royal Tennis Hall – where he won his only title in the tournament in 1980 after winning the final against John McEnroe. The match was preceded by a minute’s silence to honor the Swedish victims of the terrorist attack in Brussels last night.