Soderling: 'This break may help prolong Roger Federer's career'

With the world stopped due to the coronavisurs pandemic, French Open continues to hope to play in 2020, even if on a date other than the original. The tournament is (for now) in schedule from September 20th, although some sources say the event will be postponed by another week after the ATP and WTA request.

Former World number 4 Robin Soderling believes Nadal will still be the player to beat and feels the hiatus will help the 12-time French Open winner as well as Federer. “Of course it’s going to be a completely different tournament but Rafa on clay – it doesn’t matter if it’s in June or September – for me, if he’s healthy, he’s still going to be the favourite,” he told Sky Sports’ Raz Mirza. “There are a couple of players who I actually feel can win the French Open. I think Thiem and Djokovic can do really well on clay but it’s just amazing to see Rafa as the favourite again.

I can’t believe it’s been 11 years since I beat him at Roland Garros, but it just shows you how good he has been for so long. He won his first French Open title in 2005 and he’s still the favourite which is amazing. If this break is not going to be too long, it will help Rafa and Roger (Federer) recover. It may even help prolong their careers" - he added.

Soderling reached a career-high Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world No. 4 singles ranking on November 15, 2010. His career highlights include reaching two consecutive finals at the French Open in 2009 and 2010, and an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title at the 2010 Paris Masters. He was the first player to defeat Rafael Nadal at the French Open. He was forced into early retirement at age 31 after contracting a lingering bout of mononucleosis.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2WmRgau