ANTALYA, April 7, 2017

Elias Ymer and Christian Lindell tag-teamed to give Sweden a perfect start against Turkey, sweeping both opening rubbers on Friday in their Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group II second round tie.

Ymer battled past Cem Ilkel, rallying 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3. The 20-year-old from Stockholm, who competed in his first clay court match of the season, hit 12 aces, winning 71 per cent of his first service points to prevail after four hours and 27 minutes.

After the fight, Ymer told that he feels good at the Ali Bey Hotels & Resorts in Antalya, where the tie is taking place this weekend. “I like the smaller courts, where you are close the crowd,” the World No. 154 stated. “My opponent seemed to get a bit tired in the fourth set and winning the set gave me some extra energy, which was the key to success.”

Earlier the day, Christian Lindell upset Turkey’s number one Marsel Ilhan, winning 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. The World No. 363, who captured the last of his eight ITF Futures title back in 2015, won 76 per cent of his first service points and broke serve five times to secure victory in two hours and eight minutes.

Saturday’s doubles rubber has now become a must win match for the Turkish team when Altug Celikbilek and Anil Yüksel will face Johan Brunstrom and Andreas Siljestrom. Sweden is only one win away to either face Lithuania or Georgia in the third round.

Photo Gallery by Brigitte Urban: