Robin Soderling: 'Roger Federer makes you uncomfortable on court'

Robin Soderling and Roger Federer met 17 times between 2004-2011. The Swiss had the upper hand in their rivalry from start to finish, scoring 16 wins and suffering only one loss at Roland Garros 2010. A year before, the Swiss and the Swede competed in the final in Paris, with Federer scoring a 6-1, 7-6, 6-4 triumph that earned tennis glory for him, as he finally completed a Career Grand Slam. Praising Federer, Soderling said that he gave everything he had in that final, still failing to win a set against a more experienced rival who would always make him uncomfortable on the court. Both players stayed under 20 unforced errors, and it was Roger who produced more winners and forced mistakes, outplaying Robin in both the shortest and more advanced exchanges to lift the trophy and write history. It was the 14th Major crown for the 28-year-old Swiss, passing all the obstacles before the title clash and matching Pete Sampras' record.

In the title match, Roger scored the tenth victory over Robin from as many encounters, earning four breaks that carried him over the top. The Swiss lost only 17 points on serve, fending off both break points he faced to mount the pressure on the other side of the net, something that the first-time Major finalist could have never endured. Federer had twice as many winners, dominating the shortest and mid-range exchanges to forge the triumph and join tennis immortals, determined to leave his everything on the court to lift that trophy.

Roger Federer and Robin Soderling met in 2009 Roland Garros final.

Roger grabbed the opening set in no time, barely losing a point on serve and scoring breaks in games one, three and seven for the strongest start and a massive boost ahead of the rest of the encounter where he had to work harder. The Swede fought well in set number two, keeping Roger away from break chances and reaching the tie break that Federer won 7-1, playing on a higher level in the crucial moments to move closer to the finish line. Soderling got broken in the third set's first game, and that proved to be the pivotal moment, wasting break chances in games four and ten to propel Roger over the finish line.

"I gave my best, but it was tough for me mentally; it was my first Major final, and it came so quickly. Roger was much more experienced, and that gave him the advantage. He was always the most challenging opponent to compete against. I felt I played well against Roger only a couple of times; he makes you uncomfortable on court," Robin Soderling said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/37FtJIG