It’s not winning, it’s how you win. Yesterday Sweden debuted in the Davis Cup Finals 2021 facing the current runner-up, a Canada depleted without its two highest stars. The one who did have its current references was the Scandinavian country, two brothers of Ethiopian descent, born in the late 90s and in charge of proudly carrying the Swedish flag around the world. In the Madrid Arena, with the obligation to comply under pressure, Elias Ymer and Mikael Ymer confirmed that by being together their potential is multiplied. Hearing them at a press conference hours later was wonderful.
“It is almost a miracle, it is a situation that cannot be seen in any other country, I would tell you that it practically cannot be seen in any sport,” acknowledged Elias, the older of the two. “Our parents emigrated from Ethiopia and now we are the two best players in Sweden, playing the most important tennis tournament in the world. It is something that is not seen very often, but I try to appreciate it every day, although I know that we can still give much more, “he said after beating Steven Díez 6-4 and 6-2.
The auction would come in the second shift, with the entrance to the track of his brother two years younger. “That we have grown up together and have come this far was one of our father’s dreams. I try not to think about it too much, especially in weeks as intense as this one, right now I focus more on thinking about the team and my country. Obviously, There are many times that I stop to think about the beautiful moments that I am having with my brother, it is an incredible story”, Valued the current # 93 of the ATP ranking, the best classified of the Ymer.
Elias was probably the first to thrill the world with his explosion, a name we all think we see living comfortably in the top 100, a barrier that for the moment still has not been overcome after many blocking seasons. But all his effort was not in vain, since Mikael would take his witness reaching places unexplored by his brother. Of course, without having had that continuous reference in his life, none of this would have been possible.
“From the moment I picked up a racket, he was there to help me”Said the youngest of the Ymer after beating Vasek Pospisil 6-4 and 6-4. “If I had to choose a key person for me to be here right now, I would definitely choose my brother. We have spent every day of our lives together since we were kids, we still do today. Having an older brother when you are growing up is vital to have an example, everything becomes easier when you have a few steps to follow. I’m still learning things from him, but he also from me, ”added the 23-year-old.
Robin Soderling, the man who always believed in the miracle
Two brothers carrying all the weight of a country and also won matches sounds like a movie script, but in Madrid it is becoming reality. Overseeing his work as captain of Sweden, Robin Soderling was happy on the track watching his boys give the lug, showing that Canada was not an invincible rival. Elias would later be in charge of putting in value the former world No. 4.
“I had worked with Robin before 2018, we were together for a year. Now I feel as comfortable as in those days, I know that he understands me perfectly. We did not have the same tennis, but it can be said that we practice a similar style, perhaps that is why you understand my thoughts. He was always there to support me, but in the end it’s all mental. With him close, everything flows, I have a lot of confidence in Robin ”, said the Skara native.
The plan would have been perfect if the Ymer brothers themselves had also played the doubles, winning all three points in the series without the need for anyone else, but Soderling decided to reserve his best cards and place Goransson and Lindstedt, who knocked down Pospisil and Schnur 7-6 and 6-4. A balance of 3-0 in matches and 6-0 in sets. Be very careful with Sweden, who carry the history of this sport in their veins.
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