He and Filip Bergevi did what they could in the decisive doubles, but lost 1–0 to 1–2 in sets against Olympic Games champions Matthew Ebden and John Peers.
The initial 63-minute long set was, until the very end, an uncertain affair and a real battle. The Swedes held their serves without major problems and forced a tiebreak.
Two mistakes by Bergevi gave Ebden and Peers 5–3 and the chance to serve home the set. The counterattack? Three balls later, it was 6–5 for Sweden.
Then Göransson faltered and hit a double fault. Bergevi had the last word when Ebden returned finely out of bounds to 9–7 for Sweden and a promising start to the match that had to be won.
"We had to chase"
But it was hard work for nothing. For Sweden's part, it didn't get any more enjoyable than that.
The Australians broke early in the second set, went up to 3–0, and won the set with 6–3 on 35 minutes.
We went in with a good feeling in the second. They found the returns directly at the start, got an early break, and we had to chase, says Filip Bergevi.
The Australians, seasoned doubles specialists, didn't let go of the won command in the match. Göransson and Bergevi lost their serves when Australia went up to match victory – 6–7 (7–9), 6–3, 6–2.
Sad to lose, but despite the loss, this was one of our best matches, says Bergevi.
Meaningless match
In light of Alex de Minaur's and Aleksandar Vukic's victories over Mikael Ymer and Leo Borg on Friday, Ebden and Peers gave Australia an unbeatable lead ahead of the concluding singles matches.
Leo Borg was supposed to meet world number eight Alex de Minaur, but Australia instead fielded 34-year-old Peers, who had barely cooled down after the doubles victory. Borg won the sports-wise meaningless but entertaining match with 7–5, 6–4.
Always fun to play for one's homeland and to win, too. I'm satisfied with my performance. We didn't get the result we wanted, but we did everything we could. We knew that Australia would be very tough, says Borg.
Team captain Simon Aspelin:
It's crucial moments that decide the matches, both yesterday and in today's doubles. The guys have played well, but of course, you want a bit more.
The planned fifth and final singles match between Ymer and Vukic was not played.
