A year after ending Rafael Nadal’s 31-match French Open winning streak, Swede Robin Soderling has ended Roger Federer’s run of Grand Slam semi finals at 23.
Avenging his defeat to Federer in last year’s final, upset specialist Soderling thwarted the Swiss champion in today’s quarter-final 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.
Despite heavy rain suspending play halfway through the tie, Soderling was eventually able to cap a second stunning upset in as many years, setting up a potentially mouth-watering rematch against favourite Rafael Nadal. Soderling now faces 17th ATP-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych, who quickly overpowered Mikhail Youhzny earlier today.
In the end it was an unlucky 13th meeting for Federer against the Swedish giantkiller, having defeated Soderling in each of the duo’s previous 12 meetings.
After completing another of the biggest upsets in Grand Slam history there is much to suggest the Swede may be able to finally shake off “lucky” tag by repeating last year’s performance, should he face the much-fancied Nadal for Sunday’s final.
To date, Soderling is yet to win a Grand Slam but today bolstered his standing as the only man to defeat Roger Federer at the French Open. The Swiss champion now knows should Nadal win the tournament, he will finallydu lose his No.1 ranking to the Spaniard – one week short of equalling Pete Sampras 286-week record.
