Sweden's No.1 ranked singles player, Elias Ymer, has withdrawn from the Davis Cup squad ahead of their qualifying tie against Australia on the weekend, revealing he shares "different views" with his coach about preparation.
The former world No.188, now ranked No.327, hasn't featured in a competitive match since losing to Li Tu at a Challenger event in late November.
He was originally selected for the Swedish team along with Leo Borg (son of Bjorn, No.483), André Göransson (No.46 in doubles) and Filip Bergevi (No.125 in doubles).
But in a last-minute twist, Ymer shared a post on Instagram detailing his decision to skip the tie.
"Unfortunately I will not be playing the match this weekend against Australia," he wrote.
"Having been a huge contributing factor to us playing in the highest division for many years and to us still being there, I was really looking forward to facing one of the best tennis nations in the world at a packed Royal, as you know is my favourite court.
"The captain and I had different views on how my preparation should be. I'm sure that with a little flexibility, we could have solved this – it's not really a big deal.
"I know you should respect both sides in a discussion, but in this case, I unfortunately cannot even do that, it's such a low level."
Sweden coach Simon Aspelin, who reached a career-high world No.7 during his playing days in 2008, revealed that he isn't surprised.
"We really try to accommodate the wishes of the players before a Davis Cup match and the days leading up to it when we gather and train together," he said.
"There are no new rules, just the same rules that the Swedish Davis Cup team has had for a long, long time – which we think are important. It has to do with team dynamics and cohesion. There, we have different opinions."
Elias' brother, Mikael, recently claimed his first title at the Esch-sur-Alzette tournament, playing competitive tennis for the first time since he was banned for 18 months after failing to show up for three out-of-competition doping tests.
However, the 26-year-old is not deemed ready to partake in the upcoming tie for Sweden.
Lleyton Hewitt's Australia will have to qualify without Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson, who were late omissions from the squad due to respective injuries.
The tie commences on Saturday at 3am, broadcast live on 9Gem.
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