Swedish tennis is not what it once was.
Even Boris Becker thinks so.
– It makes me sad, says the icon.
For many years, Sweden lined up great successes and world stars in tennis. Almost out of nowhere, star after star emerged, and with icons such as Björn Borg, Mats Wilander and Stefan Edberg at the forefront, Sweden became a real power in the sport.
Swedish tennis in crisis
There were not only a lot of Grand Slam titles for the Swedish stars, but also great success in the Davis Cup, which many Swedes at home on the TV sofas followed with excitement. But even after the stars’ heyday, Sweden had talented players such as Thomas Johansson, Robin Söderling and Jonas Björkman, who were world number one in doubles and world number four in singles during their careers.
But today, Swedish tennis is on ice to say the least. Mikael Ymer, who was previously ranked highest in the world by the Swedes, was suddenly suspended for doping, and his brother Elias Ymer is still waiting for his big breakthrough, just like Björn Borg’s son Leo. There are many who are concerned about the development in Swedish tennis, and many also believe that there is no reason to be overly optimistic about the future, as it also looks bleak.
Becker’s sharp criticism
Today, Elias Ymer is the best-ranked Swede, in place 201, and one who mourns the development of Swedish tennis is the legendary Boris Becker.
– I am a little sad that Sweden is not one of the best tennis nations anymore and there is a long history why it is so. During my time you had four players who were top ten. Wilander, Edberg, Nyström, Sundström and so on. That is no longer the case, says Becker to Expressen.
Today, Becker is friends with several Swedish icons, including Björn Borg and Mats Wilander, as both are expert commentators on Max.
– I am happy that I have Mats by my side. He has won several grand slams and has been world number one. He really understands the game fully and we can benefit from each other, he says.
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