BASTAD, July 13, 2017

Mikael Ymer headlined Thursday’s quarterfinal action at the €43,000 Bastad Challenger, knocking out the tournament’s number two Renzo Olivo from Argentina 6-2, 6-4.

Dusan Lajovic and Elias Ymer

The #NextGenATP star from Sweden saved all three break points he faced, capitalizing on three of his own to advance to his second semi-final at ATP Challenger level after Rome in June last year.

“I played better than in the opening match but I still have more to give,” the 18-year-old announced on Wednesday after battling past Roberto Carballés-Baena in a three set thriller, coming back from a set down.

Mikael will next face another Argentine in person of Leonardo Mayer, who rallied past third seed Henri Laaksonen from Switzerland 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and 52 minutes.

Mikael’s older brother Elias Ymer lost in the stage of the final eight to top seed Dusan Lajovic. The World No. 79 from Serbia dominated the encounter, winning 54 per cent of the total points played. Lajovic prevailed after one hour and 33 minutes to take on fourth favourite Facundo Bagnis next. The 27-year-old from Argentina beat Aleksandr Nedovyesov 6-2, 6-2 in 66 minutes.

Photo Gallery Day 4 (by Brigitte Urban):