Twelve match points later, Ymer reaches first ATP quarterfinal in Gstaad

One would think that Elias Ymer’s win in Gstaad on Wednesday was the most satisfying—if not the most relieving—of his young career.

His second-round opponent, 31-year-old Konstantin Kravchuk, saved an incredible 11 match points before the 20-year-old Swede put him away for a 2-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5 victory.

With the win, Ymer is into his first ATP-level quarterfinal. Ranked 157th, he turned pro in 2014 and, coming into this tournament, hadn’t won a main-draw match all season. (He was 0-5 with opening-round defeats to Paul-Henri Mathieu, Federico Delbonis, Thiemo de Bakker, Paolo Lorenzi and Albert Montanes.)

Ymer, who qualified for all four Grand Slams in 2015—and lost in the first round each time—defeated Daniel Brands, 2-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5, in the first round. He’ll face a stiff test in the quarterfinals against top-seeded and 21st-ranked Feliciano Lopez.

Ymer has proven that he’s capable of beating talented, established players. He’s taken down Lukas Rosol twice this year, and last year he recorded wins over Guido Pella (twice), Albert Ramos-Vinolas, Nick Kyrgios and Benoit Paire.

And in case you haven’t seen the youngster in action—you more than likely haven’t—here’s some evidence as to why so many believe this athletically-gifted right-hander has a promising future ahead of him.

At such a young age, 11 failed match-point conversions can shake a player’s confidence, and even exhaust him—both mentally and physically. On the other hand, depending on temperament, a 20-year-old can learn from the experience and come out stronger than when he came in.

We’ll learn a lot about who Ymer is—and what he can potentially be—when he squares off against the Spaniard in the quarters.

Follow Brad on Twitter @brad_kallet.