Rockin' Robin Soderling Defeats Roger Federer at Roland Garros

This afternoon, Robin Soderling knocked defending champion Roger Federer out of Roland Garros. While Roger Federer's defeat is an upset given his illustrious accomplishments and head-to-head record against the Swede, all credit goes to Soderling for a well-deserved win.

Soderling Defeats Federer at Roland Garros: Much Improved

Nearly a year ago, Robin knocked Rafael Nadal, arguably the greatest clay court player ever, out of the French Open. Soderling then made his way to the finals where, like a good ATP minion, he rolled over for Roger Federer.

As the crowd celebrated Federer's straight-set win and achievement of his career slam, Soderling joined in the Federer tongue-bath. During last year's French Open trophy presentation, Robin was "yoking" that nobody could beat him ten times in a row. He then thanked Federer for giving him "a great lesson in how to play tennis" before calling him the greatest player of all time.

Yet since then, Soderling has proven that his strong showing at Roland Garros was no fluke. His ranking has risen to No. 5. And today, he was able to consolidate his upset of Nadal by defeating Roger Federer.

Soderling Defeats Federer at Roland Garros: Match Analysis

During the first set, the match appeared to be on its way to another Roger Federer beat-down. Robin had struggled to hold serve before volleying a backhand wide, giving Roger a break for 5-3. Federer held to take the first set.

Yet by the second set, momentum had shifted, when Soderling broke Federer's opening service game and followed up by consolidating the break. The Swede went on to take the second set 6-3, leveling the match.

In the third set, it looked to be anyone's game, as they ended 5-5 before a rain delay. When play resumed, Soderling stormed his way to deuce before breaking Federer to 6-5 before closing out the set 7-5.

In the fourth set, Roger Federer rebounded to break Soderling's opening service game, but conceded the break when he lost serve in the following game. At 3 all in the fourth set, there was another rain delay. When play resumed, Federer fought to hold serve for 4-3 before conceding the break in his following service game. Soderling served for the match and closed the deal 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.

Detailed play-by-plays are available at the Roland Garros site.

The Nadal Factor: No Love for Soderling or Berdych

Robin's next opponent will be Tomas Berdych. And these two have one thing in common: Rafael Nadal is not particularly fond of either player. During a 5-set Wimbledon match, Soderling made a gesture that Nadal perceived as mocking while at a match in Madrid, Berdych shushed a blatantly partisan crowd.

While Federer/Nadal finals are compelling for their high-quality tennis and mutual respect (bromance, anyone?), a Nadal/Soderling final would be even more entertaining like a Red Sox/Yankees game. Given that they don't like each other, the tension and drama would make for great television as well as high-level tennis.

Sources:

French Open 2009 Final, YouTube

As it happened: No. 1 Roger Federer vs. No. 5 Robin Soderling, Roland Garros Official Site

Why Rafa hates Berdych and Soderling!!!, YouTube