Elias Ymer’s nightmare start to 2016 has finally come to an end after he defeated Czech third seed Adam Pavlasek 7-5, 6-4, to win the Open Citta’ Della Disfida in Italy.
Labelled in the past as one of the most promising youngsters on the ATP Tour, the 20-year-old has been far from impressive in the first four months of this season. Prior to this week’s Challenger tournament in Barletta, the Swede has only won two main draw matches in his first seven tournaments this year.
Despite the series of disappointing results, the Swede was able to demonstrate how much of a talent he is in Italy this week. Seeded eighth in the tournament, he defeated Portuguese fourth seed Gastao Elias and Estonia’s Jurgen Zopp to reach the final. Facing third seed Pavlasek in the final, Ymer won 77% of his first service points and saved 3/3 break points to win the second Challenger title of his career.
The performance from the 20-year-old has been praise by his coach, Fredrik Rosengren. Speaking with tennis.se, Rosengren was delighted with the serve of the 20-year-old this week.
“He has served really, really steady all week. It has been a weapon in many games,” He said.
“The first set in his semifinal against Zopp is the best he has played during the week. Today he was a little more nervous, but he kept calm really well”, he later added.
The title is set to elevate Ymer to a new career high of 123rd in the world. There will be little time for celebration as Ymer’s next competition, the Barcelona Open, will start tomorrow. The Swede is one of three players to receive a wildcard into the ATP 500 event. In the first round, he will play world No.101 Thiemo de Bakker, a tricky opponent according to his coach.
“It’s a new week and you have to be on their toes against De Bakker in Barcelona. I think Elias is good physically, he isn’t hurt and moves well”, Rosengren said about the upcoming Barcelona tournament.
The title in Italy has now improved Ymer’s main draw win-loss this year to 7-4.
Open Citta’ Della Disfida final – [8] Elias Ymer (SWE) vs [3] Adam Pavlasek (CZE)
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