BASTAD, July 12, 2017

Mikael and Elias Ymer delighted the home crowd at the Bastad Challenger on Tuesday, as both Swedish youngsters advanced to the second round of the €43,000 tournament.

One day after their doubles victory, Mikael Ymer fought back from one set deficit to overcome World No. 179 Inigo Cervantes from Spain 1-6, 7-5, 6-3. The 18-year-old Stockholm resident, who clinched his second ITF Pro Circuit title in Lille earlier this season, made three points less than his opponent but prevailed after two hours and five minutes.

“I could not really control the ball in the opening set. It was a little weird but I am happy that I made it into the next round. I wanted to be back on the court tomorrow, as it is really fun to play in front of so many people,” Mikael was happy afterwards and will next take on seventh seeded Spaniard Roberto Carballés-Baena.

His older brother Elias Ymer emerged victorious from the all-Swedish-affair with Carl Soderlund, winning 6-4, 6-4. The 21-year-old won 79 per cent of his first service points and broke serve three times to advance after one hour and 20 minutes.

“It is always nice to win the first match, as it is the toughest and there are no easy matches. I will try to be even more aggressive tomorrow,” Elias said, who will next challenge the tournament’s number six Arthur de Greef from Belgium.

Top Seeds Advance

The tournament’s favourites also advanced to the second round. Dusan Lajovic, however, had to work hard rallying past Markus Eriksson from Sweden 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. The top seed saved seven of the nine break points he faced, converting four of his own to prevail in one hour and 52 minutes. Lajovic will next play Kimmer Coppejans from Belgium.

Second favourite Renzo Olivo edged past Spanish veteran and two time Bastad ATP winner Tommy Robredo 6-2, 7-5. The 25-year-old from Argentina won 72 per cent of his second service points and 55 per cent of the total points played to seal victory in one hour and 25 minutes. Olivo will face Swedish qualifier Isak Arvidsson in the second round.

Photo Gallery Day 2 (by Brigitte Urban)