Sweden's Mikael Ymer will face Alex de Minaur in an important singles rubber as Stockholm hosts Australia in this weekend's Davis Cup qualifier.
Ymer, 26, is coming off an ITF title in Luxembourg; the first tournament he has entered since serving an 18-month ban.
In 2021, he was recorded as a no-show for three out-of-competition doping tests, and despite initially being cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent tribunal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) finalised an 18-month suspension.
"(CAS) has suspended me from professional tennis for 18 months, despite never having used nor been accused of using banned substances," Ymer wrote on X after learning the verdict.
"Having already been cleared once, and wholeheartedly standing by the fact that I do not feel that the third offence was committed, I find their decision to try me again and subsequently find me guilty, unfair. On top of that, I find it difficult to comprehend that they found an 18-month suspension to be a just punishment."
On the eve of the tie, Sweden coach Simon Aspelin revealed he is eager to witness Ymer's return.
"[It's] very exciting," he said. "It's great to have this match against Australia. Strong tennis country. Mikael, in his comeback, gets to play a top-10 player. It's obviously a tough, tough match but what a great opportunity to play a big match for Mikael on his comeback.
"We've been waiting for his comeback and he's been our best player in Sweden for a few years now."
The former world No.50 will meet de Minaur for the first time, called in at the last minute to replace his brother, Elias.
Earlier this week, Elias released a post on Instagram detailing his decision to withdraw from the squad, referencing "different views" to Aspelin as the main reason.
World No.66 Aleksandar Vukic will debut for the green and gold against Björn Borg's son, Leo, ranked No.485, while doubles specialist and Olympic gold medalists Matthew Ebden and John Peers will be ready if required.
The tie commences on Saturday morning at 3am AEDT, broadcast live on 9Gem and hosted by Brett Phillips.
Sports FX empowers professional athletes with tailored currency management solutions that help you maximise your earnings while competing globally. To see how it works head to www.sportsfx.com.au
Comments