The first set started evenly, but at 3-3, Ymer switched gears – really. The Swede won four straight games and took home the first set 6–3.
– What a set he has made and what a lovely rhythm he has. He has such composure at the baseline. Now it’s time to stay focused, commented SVT Sports expert Magnus Gustafsson.
“My God, how well he plays”
The 27-year-old continued on the beaten path and immediately took command in second. The Swede went up to a 3–0 lead and thus won his seventh straight game.
– Oh, my God, how well he plays. Now Elias rules and directs exactly as he wants, stated Gustafsson.
Forced a decision
Then the Croat woke up. Now it was instead Dino Prizmic’s turn to row home game after game. The great talent turned the 3–0 deficit into 6–3 and a decisive set was on the horizon.
There, Elias Ymer showed mental strength when he reversed the 18-year-old’s momentum and pulled away properly. The Swede finally won 6–2.
– He was strongest in the skull, commented Magnus Gustafsson.
“It was brutal”
Elias Ymer himself was relieved after the collision:
– It was brutal. I had a 6-3 and 3-0 lead and then I lose six games and thought “shit” but I found my composure again.
The Swede is now ready for the quarterfinals, for the first time in the ATP tournament in Stockholm, where Miomir Kecmanovic awaits on Friday afternoon.
SVT broadcasts everything from the center court at the Nordic Open.