STOCKHOLM, October 15, 2025
Sibling rivalries in professional tennis are rare — and Tuesday in Stockholm added another memorable chapter to one of the sport’s most unique family stories. At the BNP Paribas Nordic Open, Sweden’s Elias Ymer defeated his younger brother Mikael Ymer 6-2, 7-6(4) in their first ATP Tour meeting on home soil. It marked only the eighth tour-level clash between brothers since 1990, and the second such match of the 2025 season.
The Stockholm crowd was treated to an emotional and high-quality contest. Elias, 29, used his experience and composure in key moments, edging his brother in a tight second-set tiebreak to seal the win in straight sets.
Elias Ymer wins the battle of the brothers! #bnppnordicopen pic.twitter.com/SPPV7giQQh
— BNP Paribas Nordic Open (@bnppnordicopen) October 14, 2025
“Today, I would have been happy even if I lost,” said the WorldNo. 243. “I’m usually never crying. I don’t know what’s happening.”
However, it was not their first battle. Their on-court rivalry stretches back more than a decade:
2014: In an ITF Futures match on clay in Sweden, Elias won 6-4, 7-5 in the Round of 16.
2015: At the indoor ATP Challenger Tour tournament in Brescia, Elias again prevailed 3-6, 5-1 (ret.).
2020: During the pandemic, they met once more on the Center Court in Stockholm, where Elias triumphed 6-3, 6-7, 10-8 in a dramatic super tie-break, with their youngest brother Rafael acting as ballkid.
Each match has carried its own story — not just a contest between two talented players, but between brothers who grew up side by side, pushing each other from the backyard to the ATP Tour.
On Tuesday, Elias once again came out on top, extending his unbeaten record against Mikael and delivering a special victory in front of their home fans.
