BASTAD, September 15, 2017

Wins for Elias Ymer and Mikael Ymer left Sweden 2-0 up at the end of day one of Sweden’s Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Group II third round clash against Lithuania in Bastad.

First up on Friday was Elias Ymer, who had no problems to beat World No. 1,577 Julius Tverijonas. The 21-year-old won 83 per cent of his first service points and broke serve six times to finish the opening rubber after one hour and 34 minutes.

Elias’ younger brother Mikael, emerged victorious from a topsy-turvy encounter with Lithuania’s No. 1 Laurynas Grigelis 2-6, 7-5, 6-0, 0-6, 6-1. The 19-year-old capitalized on nine of his 23 break point chances and eventually won 11 points more than his opponent to prevail after three hours and 11 minutes.

The victories leave Sweden in a strong position ahead of Saturday’s doubles, for which the home team of Johan Brunstrom and Markus Eriksson will be favourites against Tadas Babelis and Laurynas Grigelis.