PARIS, May 30, 2019
Mikael Ymer advanced to the second round at Roland Garros. At his first ever Grand Slam appearance, the 20-year-old Swede fought past fellow qualifier Blaz Rola of Slovenia, winning 6-0, 6-3, 7-6(5) on Tuesday afternoon.
Out on Court 13, at the far end of the Paris venue, Ymer broke his opponent’s serve eight times to prevail after two hours and five minutes.
The #NextGenATP player made it into the main draw, beating Roberto Marcora of Italy, Frenchman Johan Sebastien Tatlot and Henri Laaksonen of Switzerland in the qualifying.
“I wanted it so much, so I really had to settle down a bit. That explains, how much it meant to me to qualify. To back it up is even more special. To win the first round is a big bonus,” Ymer told a small group of international journalists.
Good season on the ATP Challenger Tour
Ymer is currently enjoying his best season so far on the tour. The Stockholm native captured his maiden title on the ATP Challenger Tour in Nouméa, New Caledonia in January. He also finished runner-up to Roberto Carballés Baena at the Murcia Open in Spain and in Bordeaux, France to World No. 26 Lucas Pouille.
“We set the tone with my new team during the pre-season in Florida. Going into the new year, I felt that I was much better than my ranking said (No. 255). I my head I was already better there, I just had to proof it in the matches. I practiced with a lot of good players at the IMG-Academy. Then we just build on it. Day by day. Trying to stay at the moment. We have done that very well so far and we will try to keep doing that. Not looking to much ahead.”
Ymer has come to the Stade Roland Garros, located right next to the Bois the Boulogne, for the only second time.
“I had only been once before here for Juniors. It was only a short stay, losing in the second round. I don’t have any memories. This time I am able to enjoy it more. Everything is very compact at one spot, the way I like it. Even the restaurant,” Ymer smiled.
Second meeting with Zverev
Next up will be Alexander Zverev. The pair met once before at the Stockholm Open three years ago. “After I came off from court, I was able to watch a bit of his match. From what I saw, it was a good fight. He is improving himself. He broke into the top 10 at very young age and I have a lot of respect for that. He backed it up, keeping that ranking is definitely not easy. He is one of the best in the game at the moment. It will be a tough challenge but these are the matches you work for. When you come on court, you have to do your best and then we will see. Obviously he is the favourite. I have to speak with my team, coming up with a match plan,” Ymer said and added:
“Having a look at the previous meeting. Maybe we can find any patterns. I remember the match. I had the support from the crowd, which helped a lot. I was double break down but managed to fight back. This will be a key factor again to get into a competitive match.”
