The theme is clear during the press conference ahead of the World Championships in Adelaide. The world rankings are not something to be taken too seriously and the World Championships are really tough.
It will be the most difficult tournament we have ever played, says Elmer Andersson.
Despite the World Cup series in South Africa ending with a title while rising to third place in the world rankings, the pair remains humble.
"You know that there are so many good teams and that everyone can beat everyone in the world's top. Whoever is third or whoever is eighth, it's the same in my eyes," says Jacob Hölting Nilsson.
Paying tribute to the Olympic champions
In the shadow of reigning Olympic champions Jonatan Hellvig and David Åhman, the young pair have taken great strides. Last year, the duo took gold at the U22 European Championships and won competitions in India, the Philippines and Estonia.
I think they have been able to sneak up a bit in the shadows. With David and Jonatan having had fantastic successes, they got a lot more attention early on. When Jakob and Elmer won their first world tour competition, it was three weeks before the Olympics. Nobody cared about it then, says national team captain Rasmus Jonsson.
The fact that the two top teams are now training with each other is part of the recipe for success, says Hölting Nilsson.
They (Hellvig/Åhman) have meant a lot. Without their success, we might not be here today. They have shown the way and been a good confirmation that this game idea leads to success, he says.
I don't know if you can have better training partners. They push you all the time. Hopefully, maybe we can push them a little bit too.
Even the Olympic champions seem to be satisfied with the couple's progress.
"It's great. We have a super high level in all our training," says Jonatan Hellvig.
“Must be realistic”
The young duo doesn't have any clear World Cup goals in mind. It will mainly be fun to make their debut in a world championship.
Yes, a little more that it will be exciting and fun. Then it is clear that we have full focus on playing as well as possible and winning as many matches as possible, says Hölting Nilsson.
Where: Adelaide, Australia.
When: November 13–23.
How: First, twelve groups are decided. The first and second place in each group advance to the round of 32. Likewise, the four best third-place teams in each group. The other eight third-place teams in each group play the round of 32.
TV/streaming: SVT broadcasts all the Swedes' matches.
Matches (Swedish times):
Jonathan Hellvig/David Åhman:
November 14: 11.30am against Paul Burnett/Thomas Hodges, Australia.
November 15: 06.30 against Renato Lima/Andre Loyola, Brazil.
November 16: 12:00 vs. Saymon Barbosa, George Wanderley, Brazil.
Elmer Andersson/Jacob Hölting Nilsson:
November 14: 06.30 against Oliver Meritt/Ben Hood, Australia.
15 November: 01.30 Ja Bello/Jo Bello, England.
17 November: 11.00 Teo Rotar/Arnaud Gauthier-Rat, France.
