On Tuesday, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced that Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to compete in the team competitions Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.

Which are two tournaments in which Russia itself is the reigning champion.

However, the Russian and Belarusian players may continue to play on the professional tours ATP and WTA, but with a neutral flag.

Something that national team captain Robin Söderling thinks should be changed.

- In general, I think that the West and Europe must go together.

There must be severe sanctions.

Then it's sad that it affects individual athletes who may not have much to do with the matter and who may not at all support what is going on right now, but I think it is important that everyone goes together and shows that this is not ok , says Söderling at a press conference.

"Gained good self-confidence"

In December, Sweden reached the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup - the biggest success in ten years.

But the Ymer brothers fell against the Russian national team.

On Friday, it's time again, when the Davis Cup begins, where Sweden meets Japan in Helsingborg, a directly decisive playoff to reach the final.

- It feels like Elias and Mikael have gained good self-confidence from the previous matches from last season.

Then we have seen that they played well at the beginning of the year as well, Söderling concludes.