ATP tour
It all adds up: why Borges is the best on the net
The Portuguese achieved the highest percentage of points at the net in 2025
January 18, 2026
Nuno Borges is a one-time tour-level titlist.
By Jerome Coombe
During the Australian Open, ATPTour.com will give fans insight into the leaders of key statistical categories, showing how performances in 2025 all contributed to successful seasons and the promise of more good times in 2026.
Nuno Borges made net approaches a winning formula in 2025.
When the Portuguese stepped inside the baseline and approached the net, the points often ended on his terms. Borges won an eye-catching 72.3 percent of points when he was at the net in 2025, the highest success rate on the ATP Tour all season.
Although Borges provided many magical moments, the effectiveness was all about efficiency. Sharp volleys, solid positioning and calm decision-making allowed him to cut points and take time away from opponents.
“If a man comes to the net, he still has more than a 50 percent chance of winning the point, and I think I chose very wisely when to come in,” Borges explained. “It’s something I’ve been working on: that approach, when to come in and choosing the right shot.”
So what explains Borges’ remarkable efficiency at the net? For the Portuguese it comes down to smart selection and reading the moment.
“A few times maybe I got pushed to the net when I didn’t want to, but maybe I played a great approach, really deep and made the guy try to lob me,” Borges said. “On the faster surfaces I tend to get inside more because it’s harder to pass and you have less time to get the angle on the shot.”
That offensive clarity translated into the most productive season of his career. In 2025, Borges recorded a personal best of 30 tour-level victories, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, underscoring his growing consistency. Eighteen of those victories came on hard courts, including his run to the semi-finals of the ATP 250 in Auckland.
Points won on net (2025)
Visit our Infosys ATP Stats section for more insights.
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