Robin Soderling
Nie ważne ile będzie grał, nie ważne czy cos jeszcze kiedyś wygra, od dziś swoje miejsce w historii tenisa już ma, więc i swój temat musi miec na forum :D
Robin Bo Carl Söderling (ur. 14 sierpnia 1984 w Tibro) - tenisista szwedzki, zwycięzca turniejów zawodowych, reprezentant w Pucharze Davisa, olimpijczyk.
Jest synem prawnika. Treningi tenisowe rozpoczął w wieku 5 lat. Ma na koncie wiele sukcesów juniorskich, w 2001 triumfował w nieoficjalnych mistrzostwach świata w tej kategorii wiekowej Orange Bowl (w finale pokonał Argentyńczyka Juana Mónaco), był również mistrzem w singlu (i wicemistrzem w deblu) Europy. Sezon 2001 zakończył na 4. miejscu światowego rankingu juniorów. W tym samym roku debiutował w cyklu zawodowym ATP Tour, dopuszczony z "dziką kartą" do turnieju w Sztokholmie (odpadł w II rundzie).
W dwóch kolejnych latach regularnie poprawiał swoją pozycję w rankingu seniorskim, w 2003 awansując do pierwszej setki na świecie. W 2002 debiutował w imprezie wielkoszlemowej - przeszedł rundę na US Open. W 2003 wygrał dwa turnieje challengerowe, na Wimbledonie osiągnął III rundę (wyeliminował sensacyjnego finalistę French Open sprzed miesiąca Holendra Verkerka, odpadł z doświadczonym Brytyjczykiem Henmanem), a na koniec sezonu był w finale w Sztokholmie, gdzie nieznacznie przegrał z Amerykaninem Mardy Fishem (5:7, 6:3, 6:7). W 2004 doczekał się pierwszego turniejowego zwycięstwa - w finale w Lyonie pokonał Belga Malisse'a; przegrał w finale w Marsylii z Dominikiem Hrbatym. W 2005 wygrał turniej w Mediolanie (w finale z Radkiem Štěpánkiem). Regularne występy w 2006 - finał w Memphis przegrany do Haasa, półfinały i ćwierćfinały innych imprez - pozwoliły mu na dalszy awans w rankingu. W styczniu 2007 zajmował 23. miejsce w klasyfikacji światowej.
W grze podwójnej nie ma większych sukcesów. Najwyżej klasyfikowany był w listopadzie 2004 (jako 181. rakieta rankingu deblowego), odniósł jedno zwycięstwo w cyklu challengerowym.
Jako reprezentant Szwecji debiutował w Pucharze Davisa w lutym 2004, przegrywając z Australijczykiem Lleytonem Hewittem. W 2006 zdobył dwa punkty w meczu z Brazylią, przyczyniając się do pozostania Szwecji w najwyższej grupie rozgrywkowej Pucharu Davisa. Wygrał również dwa mecze w lutym 2007, pokonując Białorusinów Wołczkowa i Mirnego. Do lutego 2007 bilans jego występów pucharowych wynosi cztery zwycięstwa i dwie porażki, wszystkie w grze pojedynczej. Söderling wystąpił także na igrzyskach olimpijskich w Atenach w 2004, ale bez sukcesów. W grze pojedynczej odpadł w I rundzie z Hiszpanem Feliciano Lopezem, a w deblu - w parze ze starszym rodakiem Enqvistem - również w I rundzie uległ reprezentantom Izraela Erlichowi i Ramowi.
Wysoki Szwed (190 cm) jest zawodnikiem praworęcznym, z bekhendem oburęcznym. Grę opiera przede wszystkim na silnym serwisie i forhendzie. Do lutego 2007 jego zarobki zawodowe przekroczyły półtora miliona dolarów.
Dotychczasowe najlepsze wyniki w Wielkim Szlemie:
Australian Open 2R (2004)
Roland Garros 3R (2008)
Wimbledon 3R (2003, 2007)
US Open 3R (2005)
31.05.2009 - Robin Soderling pokonał Rafaela Nadala w 4r turnieju na kortach Rolanda Garrosa w Paryżu.
Został tym tenisistą, który przerwał niesamowitą serię 31 koljnych zwycięstw Rafy na kortach ziemnych w Paryżu.
Jak już Art wspomniał, dzisiejszy sukces srpawia, że Szwed stał się postacią historyczną.
Wielkie brawa i gratulacje ;)
Juz nikt nigdy nie sprawi większej sensacji w tenisie , a Szwedzi mogą być dumni z Saabów , Caroliny Kluft , meblościanek Ikei i z Robina Soderlinga . Brawo ;)
2.06.2009
Robin kontynuuje znakomita passe w Roland Garros 09 i ma szansę na zostanie kolejnym Szwedem, który wystąpi w ostatnim meczu paryskiego turnieju.
Wielkie brawa dla Robina za cały turniej, dokonał historycznego wyczynu eliminując z Roland Garros Rafaela Nadala, pokonał w drodze do finału kolejnych znakomitych graczy: Dawidienkę oraz Gonzaleza. W finale postawił opór Federerowi, na pewno nie przegrał spotkania w szatni, dzielnie walczył do samego końca.
Ciekaw jestem, czy ten turniej jest totalnie jednorazowym wyskokiem Szweda, czy też uda mu się w tym roku zrobić kilka wartościowych wyników.
Myślę, że to może być bardzo groźny rywal na trawie dla każdego.
Raczej jednorazowy wybryk. Podejrzewam ze do Wimbla jeszcze utrzyma forme i zrobi jakis dobry wynik w postaci R16, byc moze przy korzystnym losowaniu nawet 1/4. Mysle ze dzieki temu finalowi zakonczy sezon w pierwszej 15, ale na jakies prestizowe zwyciestwa, czy polfinaly/finaly Mastersów bym nie liczyl.
Zgadzam się z Bizonem. Ten wynik zapewnił mu pewne miejsce w top-15, być możę wejdzie do top-10, ale raczej głównie dzięki mniejszym eventom niż spektakularnym wynikom a'la finał WS czy wygrany Masters.
Brawa za Rg, Robin. To co zrobiłeś w 4r to niemal jak tytuł WS ;)
Zobaczymy jak sam zainteresowany zareaguje na to co zrobił w Paryżu , wielkoszlemowy finał moze zwiastowac że nadchodzi dla niego nowe - lepsze ale trzeba pamiętac że Robin zawsze był dość chwiejnej konstrukcji psychicznej , a z tego latwo sie nie wysrasta .
Doceniam to co w minionych dwoch tygodniach zrobił Soderling , ale dla mnie pozostaje męskim odpowiednikiem Vaidsovej . Wyrozniam u niego jedną ceche : mocne uderzenia i niewiele więcej plus ( minus ) slabe nerwy .
Ale jako że nie jestem typem zlosliwego kibica a wręcz życzliwym dla wszystkich , to niech mu sie wiedzie ;)
Szczerze mówiąc jakoś nie widzę Soderlinga na szybszych nawierzchniach. Porusza się słabo po korcie, nawet na wolnej cegle jak go ktoś mocniej przyciśnie, to ma problem. To co dopiero będzie na trawie czy hardzie?
Zaimponował mi Soda, najbardziej w meczu z Gonzem. Z Nadalem był underdogiem, a Rafa był nie w pełni sił; z Fednando uratował przegrany mecz, zupełnie opadając sił i to w sytuacji kiedy rywal wrócił z 0-2. Mając dość przeciętną technikę, facet wyciskał z tego ile się dało i za to mu się brawa należą; no i grał paru specjalistów od ziemi ofensywą, to powinno dać sporo do myślenia innym graczom.
jaccol55 napisał:
Szczerze mówiąc jakoś nie widzę Soderlinga na szybszych nawierzchniach. Porusza się słabo po korcie, nawet na wolnej cegle jak go ktoś mocniej przyciśnie, to ma problem. To co dopiero będzie na trawie czy hardzie?
Kuba, ale on przecież nie ma pojecia o poruszaniu się na mączce. Owszem, generalnie nie jest za szybki, ale nie w tym problem. Zero techniki ma Szwed, a na cegle to podstawa, tu się biega technicznie, nie siłowo. Zobacz na Roda, na hard i trawie jest bardzo szybki, na cegle dziecko we mgle.
Widziałeś dzisiaj, do ekstremalnych piłek Fedek się doślizgiwał i zagrywał jak chciał, Soda robił masę kroków, nie ma mowy o zmianie kierunku biegu, szybkim powrocie do środka itp. A dziś jeszcze było wyjątkowo ślisko, co dodatkowo utrudniło mu życie.
Na innych nawierzchniach będzie się zupełnie inaczej ruszał, dużo pewniej. Poza tym jego trzeba zmusić do ruchu, w całym turnieju potrafił to tylko Roger, a przecież na innych nawierzchniach ofensywne walory Robina będą mu dawać jeszcze więcej szybkik punktów niż tutaj.
Ciekawe, dołączy do czołówki, czy stoczy się przeciętność(wróci do niej)? Myślę, że wiele zależy od Normana, jesli dalej będzie trzymał go w ryzach, powinien robić niezłe wyniki.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis … swers.aspx
Robin odpowiada na pytania fanów ;)
#4) Bastad 2009
R32 Bye
R16 Vliegen 6-2,6-3
Q Almagro 7-5,6-3
S Vinciguerra 6-1,7-6(6)
W Monaco 6-3,7-6(4)
Już zapisał sie w historii tenisa, ale chyba jednak nie stać go na wielkie wyniki w przyszłości, wg mnie za słabo się porusza
The Net Post: Quiet man Robin Soderling is the man to beat
The Times Tennis Correspondent hears how the Swede aims to achieve his grand-slam goal, bangs the drum for further education and agrees with Lleyton Hewitt's impassioned plea for the future of tennis
Spend half an hour with Robin Soderling and it is not surprising that few in tennis can say they really know the lawyer's son from Tibro, the furniture centre of Sweden. "I'm very quiet, especially on the tour," he said. "I'm always extremely focused, I feel as if I'm in my own little world sometimes and don't see what's happening around me."
What is happening is that - the elbow problem which forced his retirement before his semi-final of the IF Stockholm Open against Marcos Baghdatis on Saturday notwithstanding - the Swede's repute among those in the know is growing at a considerable rate. He is currently No 9 in the 2009 league table on which entry for next month's Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the 02 Arena will be calculated. The top eight make it. Soderling is the man to knock over.
There has not been a Swede in the championship since 2000, the first time it was played as the Masters Cup, when Magnus Norman qualified, along with Marat Safin, Pete Sampras, Lleyton Hewitt, Alex Corretja, Gustavo Kuerten, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Andre Agassi. Norman is now Soderling's coach; Corretja is a part-time advisor to Andy Murray and will be with the British No 1 in Valencia, Spain if his proposed return to the tour is confirmed next week.
It has taken Soderling time to make his impact; he is 25 and has been playing in grand-slam tournaments since 2002. The reason why his rise has been gradual rather than meteoric becomes clear as he reminisces. "I've had various problems with injuries, so that it was only really last year that I was able to play enough and practice enough to be able to put a run together," he said. "I finished the year at 17 in the rankings, so I knew I had a chance to getting better if I could play more."
The last and most painful of those injuries can at the end of 2007 when he hurt his left wrist against Safin in Montreal in August and did not play the rest of the year. Murray's concern? A left wrist injury. "I hope it's not exactly the same as mine because I was out for six months," Soderling said. "It was tough and I had to occupy myself by doing lots of other things, practising the serve, working on my fitness, because I couldn't hit a backhand at all."
In 2009, he has been outstanding. In all of the grand slams bar the Australian Open, he has buried his previous poor performance records to reach the final of the French Open, the last 16 at Wimbledon, the quarter-finals of the US Open (losing on each occasion to his career nemesis Roger Federer). Of course, it was in Paris where he came of age, breaking Rafael Nadal's unbeaten record at Roland Garros in the fourth round, taking Nikolay Davydenko and Fernando Gonzalez out in the next two and waking up a little too late to disturb Federer's march into history in the final.
What had made his victory over Nadal all the more remarkable was that on a chill evening in Rome a few weeks earlier - with the Net Post in attendance - he had been beaten 6-1, 6-0 by the Spaniard. To say that the scoreline was a shoddy reflection on the match is an understatement. Soderling played beautifully at times, only for Nadal to play with his typically extraordinary defiance.
So how did he turn that around? "I knew that the margins had been very small in Rome and that if I could be 100 per cent focused, there was no reason why I couldn't win," he said. "Beating him was big, of course, but I was still in the tournament so I couldn't celebrate. I didn't want to beat him and fade in my next match. If it had been the final, perhaps I would have looked a bit happier about it."
Then he did reach the final, to play Federer. The record was 9-0 to the Swiss before Paris (it is 12 now). "If he beats me a 100 times in a row I will still believe I have a chance against him," Soderling said. "He always finds a way against me, he plays so fast and so aggressively, I can't get into a rhythm. In the final, I didn't play well at all. I was nervous, because it had been my dream to play a grand slam final and now here I was. I didn't get a good start but I did work my way back and then played a poor tie break. He deserved it, it was a momentous day."
The time away from the spotlight focused Soderling's mind on the need to improve his movement and physical resilience. He is a powerful physical specimen, light on his feet which is imperative when his swing is based on such a wide arc. The indoor courts suit him well and he is playing two more events (elbow permitting) in which he should secure the points to play in London.
But don't expect him to hog the headlines. "Fame doesn't interest me. I always wanted to play tennis, that's it. I'm trying every day to be a better player. I want to win the big titles. I've been to a (grand slam) final once and I'm still alive. I can do it again."
Robin Soderling To Make Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Debut
Injured Roddick forced to withdraw from tournament
Big-hitting Swede Robin Soderling will make his debut at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals after an injured Andy Roddick announced his withdrawal Tuesday. Soderling, who this year became the first man to beat Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, had been the first alternate for the world’s biggest indoor tennis tournament, which begins Sunday, 22 November, at The O2 in London.
With Soderling’s elevation, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga becomes the tournament’s first-alternate.
Soderling, who will be the first Swede to play at the season finale since Thomas Johansson in 2002, this year finished in Top 10 of the South African Airways ATP Rankings for first time, highlighted by reaching his first Grand Slam final at Roland Garros and capturing his first ATP World Tour title on clay, on home soil in Bastad. He won nine matches in his first 10 tournaments through mid-May but then turned things around by compiling a 35-9 match record over the remainder of the season, which included runs to the Roland Garros final, Wimbledon fourth round and the US Open quarter-finals (losing to Roger Federer each time).
Roddick, who had qualified for the season finale for the seventh consecutive year, injured his left knee at the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 on October 13 and has not played since. He resumed light practice this week but said that he would not be fully fit for the tournament.
“I am really disappointed to miss the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals,” Roddick said. “I love playing in London and I’ve heard so many good things about the venue. However, I have not fully recovered from my knee injury and I won’t be able to compete. One of my goals in 2010 will be to qualify for this event again.”
This year’s star-studded London line-up will feature Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin del Potro, Nikolay Davydenko, Fernando Verdasco and Soderling. The doubles field comprises Nestor/Zimonjic, Bryan/Bryan, Bhupathi/Knowles, Dlouhy/Paes, Kubot/Marach, Mirnyi/Ram, Cermak/Mertinak and Fyrstenberg/Matkowski.
The draw for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals will be made Wednesday. Each of the top eight players and doubles teams will be drawn to play a minimum of three round-robin matches to determine which four players and teams advance to the knockout semi-finals.
The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals will determine which players finish the year-end No. 1s in the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings and the 2009 ATP Doubles Teams Race. Roger Federer is the front-runner to finish ATP World Tour Champion, but reigning champion Rafael Nadal can overhaul the Swiss. The 2008 year-end doubles No. 1s Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic have a strong grip on the ATP World Tour Doubles Champions title, but Bob and Mike Bryan remain within striking distance.
Soderling Among Tennis Stars To Compete For Capitala Title
Abu Dhabi, UAE, UAE (AHN) - Robin Soderling, coming off his recent conquest at the ATP year-end event in London, is looking forward to maintaining his momentum when he joins five other tennis stars at the Capitala World Tennis Championship.
The 25-year-old Swede, the first and only player to stop the reign of Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the French Open, will be vying for a rematch against Swiss champ Roger Federer in the Abu Dhabi event.
But before he can realize a rubber match against the world's best player, Soderling must get past Federer's fellow countryman, Stanislaw Wawrinka, on the opening day of event Thursday.
Prior to the Soderling-Wawrinka encounter, slated for the afternoon, world No. 6 Nikolay Davydenko will play 2008 Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the event's first match.
Nadal, seeking to re-establish his "King of Clay" reputation, is seeded to meet arch-rival Federer in the final of the six-man exhibition event.
The court venue for the event, in its second year, will be paved with Plexipave, the same surface used at the Australian Open.
It could be the perfect tuneup for the players for the season's first Grand Slam in January in Melbourne.
The tournament will be staged at the Complex in Zaved Sports City from Dec. 31- Jan. 2.
Soderling Sets Roland Garros Final Rematch With Federer
Robin Soderling set a rematch of the Roland Garros final with Roger Federer after edging Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6, 7-6 to reach the semi-finals of the Capitala World Tennis Championship, an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.
"It's always great to play Roger and I'm looking forward to it,” said Soderling. “Even though he beat me every time, I feel like I learned something from each match, but hopefully this time I can finally win one.”
Soderling squandered a 5-1 lead in the first set against Wawrinka and a 5-4 advantage as he served for the match in the second set but was able to close out a tight victory in two tie-breaks.
“He was playing good last year and finished in the Top 10,” complimented World No. 21 Wawrinka. “But today I’m very pleased, it was a good match to start the year and I’m looking forward to the next few weeks. I will try to come back to the Top 15 (of the South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings), I’m very happy with my preparation in December and with my game.”
“I feel good for the moment,” commented Soderling. “I’m trying to forget what I did last year and trying to focus on the New Year. Obviously I did great and I will try to play the same way next year. It was a great match today, very close. I felt that we both played a great match.”
Soderling enjoyed a career-best season in 2009, reaching his first Grand Slam final at Roland Garros and finishing in the Top 10 of the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings. The Swede also reached the semi-finals of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on his debut at the season finale, defeating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic en route.
The other semi-final will be an all-Spanish affair after David Ferrer broke serve to love in the last game of the match to defeat Nikolay Davydenko 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 and set up a clash with World No. 2 Nadal.
“It was a nice start to the season, beating Nikolay,” said Ferrer. “I will try my best [in the semi-finals]; Rafael is the best Spanish player in history and a nice person. I want to enjoy this match,” added the Valencia resident, who has lost his past four matches against his countryman.”
“It was an important match for me, three sets,” said Davydenko, who was playing his first match since winning the biggest trophy of his career at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November. “I was fighting every point and unfortunately made some mistakes to lose the match.”
The Russian will officially open the new season at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, beginning Monday 4th January in Doha. “For me every match I win during the next three months will bring me points and improve my ranking,” said Davydenko, who was forced to endure a spell on the sidelines early in 2009 due to a heel injury. “I am enjoying my tennis and look forward to it.”
New year, new result: Soderling upsets Federer
Robin Soderling, who has never defeated Roger Federer in 12 career attempts on the ATP World Tour, takes out the world No. 1 in three sets on Friday afternoon at the Capitala World Championship.
New Year's Day 2010 rang in with an alarmingly rare result on Thursday afternoon.
Robin Soderling, winless in 12 official tries against Roger Federer, upset the top-ranked Swiss 6-7(6), 7-6(1), 6-2 in the semifinals of the Capitala World Tennis Championship.
Soderling still has no official victories over Federer, as this is an exhibition tournament, but it still must feel good for the in-form Swede, especially considering how he did it.
The underdog dropped set one despite never facing a single break point on his own serve. Federer had to fend off one break point--at 5-5--en route to a tiebreaker, which he took 8-6 after saving one set point at 5-6 when Soderling missed a second-serve return.
Seemingly on his way to a routine straight-set triumph, Federer earned the first break of the match at 1-1 and raced out to a 3-1 lead in the second frame of play. Undeterred, Soderling broke back at 2-3 and held serve the rest of the way to force another tiebreaker.
The second-set 'breaker proved to be the turning point of the match. Soderling earned two quick mini-breaks at 1-0 and 2-0 as he cruised through the decider 7-1.
From then on it was all Soderling. The world No. 8 broke serve at 1-1 in the third with a scorching forehand pass and never looked back. He saved one break point at 2-1 and then all but put the match away with a love break at 4-2. Soderling promptly served out the proceedings with ease at 5-2, clinching a spot in the final when Federer netted a backhand return.
Soderling will face either Rafael Nadal or David Ferrer for the title. Federer will take on the Nadal-Ferrer loser in Saturday's third-place clash.
Występ Soderlinga na AO pod znakiem zapytania.
Cloud over French Open finalist Robin Soderling
Robin Soderling retires after losing the first set against Ivan Ljubicic Picture: Craig Borrow Source: Herald Sun
THERE is an injury cloud over French Open runner-up Robin Soderling ahead of next week's Australian Open at Melbourne Park
The Swede, ranked No.8 in the world, pulled out of his match at the Kooyong Classic today on omplaining of a shoulder injury.
Soderling quit after his opponent, Croatian Ivan Ljubicic, took the first set 6-4, saying his shoulder had gradually become worse the more he served.
Australian Open 2010: Robin Soderling crashes out in opening round
Swedish eighth seed Robin Soderling was fuming after he became the first top-10 casualty of the Australian Open, bowing out in the first round.
The 25-year-old looked on target for an easy win after he took the first two sets, but eventually lost to Spain's 113th-ranked Marcel Granollers 5-7, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
Soderling made 67 unforced errors and was scathing in his assessment of his performance.
"No, I started terrible and finished terrible," he said bluntly when it was suggested things were going well early in the match. "I played a horrible match today and I am terribly disappointed.
"I didn't feel good at all and I didn't play well."
Although the fragile Swede, who has won four ATP titles, pulled out of the AAMI Classic last week because of elbow tendonitis, he said he was 100 per cent fit and that the loss had nothing to do with any injury.
Soderling said his frustration had nothing to do with his good form in 2009.
"I would have been annoyed even if I didn't play well last year," he said.
It was the third Grand Slam in a row where Soderling had faced Granollers, who is something of a doubles specialist, but the Spaniard's first ever win over the Swede.
Soderling played the 23-year-old three times last year, including the US Open and Wimbledon, winning all three matches convincingly and dropping just one set to Granollers in those matches.
Tuesday's loss continues a tough start to the year for last year's French Open finalist, having lost in the first round in Chennai and now here.
Soderling upset in round 1 shocker
Marcel Granollers produced a magnificent comeback from two sets down to send No.8 seed Robin Soderling crashing out. There were also wins for Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Marcel Granollers d. Robin Soderling 5-7, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2
World No. 113 Marcel Granollers earned the first break of the match to go 3-2 up, but he surrendered the lead immediately following a dismal game. Serving to stay in the set at 5-6, Granollers played another dreadful game to gift Soderling the opening frame of play.
After a scrappy first set display, Soderling raised his level considerably in the second and broke twice to move into a 2-0 lead. He seemed to lose focus in the third set, though, and a break to love at 3-3 was enough for Granollers to take it.
Soderling was a break up in the fourth, but he lost his own serve three times and allowed Granollers to level the match. The world No. 8 managed to fight off three break points in the opening game of the final set, but he double-faulted on the fourth to hand Granollers an early edge. Although the Spaniard took an injury timeout because of a leg problem, he soon extended his lead when he broke Soderling once more.
The Swede’s game fell apart at the seams and he looked exhausted. He hit a whole host of unforced errors, but Granollers rose to the occasion magnificently. The Spaniard produced a number of sensational passing shots that left Soderling flummoxed and secured victory by firing down his eleventh ace.
#5) ATP-500 Rotterdam 2010
R1: SERRA, Florent 46 64 61
R2: SIJSLING, Igor 76(6) 62
QF: BENNETEAU, Julien 60 61
SF: DAVYDENKO, Nikolay 76(3) 64
F: YOUZHNY, Mikhail 64 20 Ret'd
Po falstarcie na AO, Soderling rozegral wreszcie dobry turniej. Przydadza mu sie z pewnoscia punkty za ten turniej, bo po RG poleci mu duzo punktow z rankingu.
Soda jeszcze raz o wielkim triumfie w 4r ostatniego RG.
Successful Soderling happy to "win ugly"
Successful Soderling happy to "win ugly" Robing Soderling admits that his tennis career has turned around since his breakthrough win over Rafael Nadal at the French Open last spring.
And the ATP No. 7 credits wise counsel from coach Magnus Norman with giving him a new way to think of his game.
Soderling showed off his big game to defeating effect with a knockout of Andy Murray to reach the Indian Wells Masters semi-final.
The Swede says that a change in his attitude is partly responsible for the success. "I've changed the way how I think a little bit. A few years ago I was very focused on playing well all the time. Now, what matters to me now is to win matches.
"It doesn't matter if I play well and win matches or play bad and win matches. You still have to win."
Soderling is happy to take the advice for former French Open finalist and one-time No. 2 Norman to heart. "Magnus taught me a lot.
"Of course he played well sometimes, but many, many times he didn't play well at all. And he told me he won the tournament in Shanghai (2000), and he said, 'I played so bad.'
"But that doesn't matter. It's not going to be there in the history books. What's gonna to be there is that he won the tournament."
Soderling says he is now a believer: "He made me believe that I can still win matches, even though if I don't play my best tennis. I try to think like that every time I practise, every time I go to the court.
"I've proved to myself that I can actually win," said the 2009 Roland Garros finalist to Roger Federer, bidding for his third title since competing in Paris.
Soderling nie zagra w Monte Carlo z powodu problemów z prawnym kolanem.
Robin pulls out of Monte Carlo
Robin pulls out of Monte Carlo due to an overstrain in his right knee.
“I’ve had some problems with my knee since the Miami tournament. The pain has just escalated the more tennis I’ve played. My doctor has now examined my knee, and I’ve made a decision of not playing next week’s tournament in Monte Carlo.”
“This is very sad since Monte Carlo is my “home tournament” and one of my favorite tournaments of the year. But now awaits one week of rest and rehabilitation, and I will hopefully be back to compete in the Barcelona tournament that starts the 19th of April.”
-Robin
Heart Of A Warrior
Robin Soderling is known for his competitive drive and powerful game, but the journey to the top has revealed a new side of Sweden’s lone wolf.
You can tell by the way that Robin Soderling walks that he is a man who knows where he is going: great big strides, arms swinging with purpose and eyes focused dead ahead. And with 195 pounds packed solidly into a 6’4” frame, he is a big-boned Swede built like a lumberjack who crushes the ball like a bare-knuckle bruiser. Robin Soderling definitely plays hardball.
Born between the two great lakes of Sweden in the small town of Tibro, Robin Soderling grew up riding his bicycle to the tennis courts each day. It was here on those chilly bike rides to and from practice that he visualised his dream of becoming a great player.
“We have had a lot of special players in Sweden,” Soderling says. “It helped me to have so many good examples.”
While Soderling paid homage to past Swedish greats, he developed his own plans for greatness. Like a lone wolf he would do it his way, and with a determination as strong as Nordic steel. Fellow Swede and good friend, Johan Brunstrom believes that those early days gave Soderling the confidence for that he is so well known.
“Robin is by far the most competitive person I have ever met in my life”
“In his age group back in Sweden there were three to four guys in the 12 & under and 13 & under that were fighting big time against each other every time they played,” Brunstrom recalls. “Robin came out on top of these battles most of the time. I think that created a big confidence from an early stage which helped a lot along the way throughout juniors and on to the pro tour.”
Guiding Robin Soderling through the juniors and into the Top 50 of the South African Airways ATP Rankings was Peter Carlsson, coach of Team Catella.
“Robin lives for his tennis tournaments,” says Carlsson. “He is really committed to being the best. Robin is the kind of guy who will do everything to win a match.”
Robin Soderling’s career could not have gotten off to a better start. At his first event as a professional, an ITF Futures in Sweden, Soderling was the last man standing. He followed that win up with a runner-up finish the very next week.
Soderling“That first tournament win just made him more hungry to win the next week,” recalls Carlsson.
Kalle Flygt played the young Soderling both weeks. “You could see that he had a very big game even at that age,” says Flygt. “His movement then was not strong, but he sure had plenty of other weapons. And he hated to lose.”
Ask anyone who has ever known him and they all say the same thing: Robin Soderling absolutely hates to lose. For he is a natural born warrior, a Viking in the truest sense of the word.
“Robin is by far the most competitive person I have ever met in my life,” says good friend and Davis Cup teammate, Robert Lindstedt. “His desire to win is just incredible.”
Joachim ‘Pim-Pim’ Johansson was with Soderling for many of the early years on Team Catella. Both wanted to be number one on the team and they pushed each other daily. According to Carlsson, “the competition was fierce. And not always healthy”.
“He was very competitive and took his own way,” remembers Johannson. “Robin does not fear anyone. This is a strength that he has had all his life. Even when he was 10 and 12 years old, he always had the feeling that he could be number one.”
There is one word that best describes Robin Soderling’s style of tennis: brutal. Smash mouth tennis at its best. His balls are propelled by a deliberate velocity that explodes off his strings like hellfire missiles. While his serve may not have the easy grace of Richard Krajicek’s or the bullwhip snap of Goran Ivanisevic, it is a bio-mechanically efficient service technique that rocks the court like a thunderbolt. Off the ground, Robin packs heavy artillery. The backhand, solid and dependable, is a clean double-handed forearm press that he can take on the rise while changing direction with a split second snap of the hips. And more than a few players have joked that he could be arrested for carrying a weapon (forehand) onto the court.
“There is one word that best describes Robin Soderling’s style of tennis: brutal”
No doubt Soderling’s game is high risk. And when that forehand is on target, it is good night, Irene. But it is a game that demands precision, or possibly perfection. That is another trait that people attribute to Robin Soderling: perfection. Nobody knows that better than Nate Ferguson, of P1Tennis, who has customised Soderling’s racquets since 2004.
“Robin is definitely a perfectionist,” Ferguson states. “And I respect him for that. When I met him he was doing a lot of tinkering with his grip, wrapping layer after layer of trainers’ tape around the end. I called it the butt cap flare. We talked about it, and the balance of the racquet a lot and Thomas Enqvist joked that trying to please Robin with his racquet was mission impossible. After a lot of going back and forth, we eventually created a special molded grip of hard foam that never changes its dimensions. And a balance that worked. Robin was happy.”
Yet for all his power and attempts at perfection, something was lacking in Soderling’s repertoire. For years he seemed to be stuck in a rut, trapped between 40 and 70 in the rankings. In fairness to Soderling, he did have some serious injuries that required intensive rehab and long periods away from competition. Former ATP World No. 2 Magnus Norman had a good idea what Soderling needed and when he got the call, he answered it like the former champ he is.
Soderling“In the past he was throwing away matches that he should have won. He was affected by the wind, spectators, by things that he could not control,” says Norman. “What I was trying to do when I took over was to change his mentality, make it a strength. But in the beginning we had a rough time together. We were talking a lot, spending a lot of time together. I am sure he was sick of hearing my voice. Then the week before the French Open, he came to me and said, ‘Now I understand. I really understand what you mean.’
“Robin is very eager to learn new things,” continues Norman. “And he is an analyst. Sometimes he comes back to me and says, ‘I don’t really agree with you. Tell me why you think that?’ Then we discuss it more and more until we both agree on a plan.”
Former World No. 1 Mats Wilander says, “He's quite confident in his own ability and I think that's why he made it to the top of the game. I think he should have been there earlier... Robin is very strong mentally and it took someone who had been there and achieved more than him. Magnus knows what he’s talking about, saying the right thing and coming from the right person.”
Soderling must have learned something from Norman, for he was about to send shockwaves through the tennis world.
“He's quite confident in his own ability and I think that's why he made it to the top of the game”
It is a few hours before the clash of two titans, Rafael Nadal and Robin Soderling in the Round of 16 match at Roland Garros. Soderling has just finished warming up and is ready to go, but Norman stops him from leaving the court and suggests one more drill. Soderling agrees and one by one, Norman feeds his charge what he loves to eat: inside out forehands.
Like a Gothic beast, Soderling’s black eyes flash with fury as he covers the advantage side of the court with alarming speed and agility for such a large man. Setting his big feet in a semi-open stance, he launches ballistic forehands across the net that explode like bomblets when hitting the court with plumes of red clay spewing up in the air. It is a stroke that looks more like a roundhouse right knock out punch than a part of a game played by gentlemen. Norman is satisfied that Robin is now ready to enter the arena that has been the undisputed throne of the King of Clay, Rafael Nadal.
Thirty-one times in thirty-one contests, the Spaniard has emerged victorious from Roland Garros. There is nothing in the air on this day that would suggest any other outcome. It would go down as a battle of man versus man, a war in the trenches between two heavy hitters. For four punishing sets, they traded blows. In the end it was the challenger, Soderling, who would eventually lift his arms in triumph while the mighty warrior Nadal was hurled to Valhalla.
Soderling“Sweden was so hungry for his success,” says Carlsson. “And Robin delivered.”
Brunstrom agrees. “I think the past one and half years he has improved mentally a lot on the court and has learned to accept that everything can’t be perfect all the time,” he says. “He has really showed that he can dig deep and come out on top in a way he didn’t do before.”
Understanding Robin Soderling the person is not as easy as understanding Robin Soderling the player. As a player there is no doubt that Soderling likes to bang – getting on top of the ball early, driving it down into the court like a hammer and nail – by doing so gaining the advantage of leverage. For his opponents, it is literally fighting an uphill battle.
But how do you figure out a man who once said to the press that he did not join the ATP World Tour to make friends? For starters, according to those who know him best, you have to be patient. Listen to what they have to say about the man ranked No. 7 in the world.
“I practised with him a lot over the years,” says Jarkko Nieminen. “When you know him better, he is more open. I think he has always been extremely talented. And he knew it himself. His own expectations were very high and that was a lot of pressure. He has been on the tour a few years, and maybe now he is more experienced he can handle the pressure. And he is putting all the little pieces together.”
“He does not come to people easily,” says Carlsson. “You have to get to know him. Once you do you can see he is a great guy. We had a really good relationship.”
“Robin is one of my best friends on the tour,” claims Robert Lindstedt. “He is really a nice guy.”
“You have to get to know him. Once you do you can see he is a great guy”
“Robin has a very strong personality,” states Norman.” You have to develop a feeling when to approach him. But he is more open now than in the past. Expectations have changed a lot. Very interesting to see how he handles the pressure.”
Fernando Verdasco and Robin Soderling are holding their trophies while standing on a raised platform on center court in Barcelona at the end of the ATP World Tour 500 tournament. The finalist Soderling has the microphone in his hand and he begins by thanking the crowd for their enthusiasm and the sponsors for their support. Though they are neck and neck in the South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings, Soderling praises Verdasco.
“Congratulations, Fernando,” Soderling says. “You played great. And today you deserved to win.”
We have learned that Robin Soderling is a fiery competitor who hates to lose, but just as important we are seeing that Soderling respects how great the level is at the top of the ATP World Tour. In doing so, he exudes even more confidence, for he is man enough to admit it even though he has just gone down in three tough sets to Verdasco.
“He's ready to win a big tournament,” asserts Wilander, a winner of seven Grand Slam titles. “I think he believes he could win a big tournament and I think he's ready to win. He's matured a lot.”
It may have taken Soderling longer than he expected, but there is no doubt that he has finally arrived. And, since Roland Garros last year, he is sitting where he is most comfortable: in the driver’s seat, with one big foot on the gas pedal going full speed ahead.
RG 2010 - wywiad z Robinem po zwycięstwie w 1 rundzie
Q. A very quiet start, actually, in the tournament.
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, yeah. It was a good start, you know. It's always nice to have a quick match in the early rounds. You know, I got to hit a few balls. We had a few rallies, so it was a good match.
Q. What were the feelings being out there back a year after making your first Grand Slam final in that court?
ROBIN SODERLING: It's nice, you know. Now I don't think about it too much. That was all last year. I have to start over again. Focus on every match. But of course it's always nice to come back to a place where you did well last year. Gives you good feelings.
Q. Before the win of today, you had three losses in a row. Is there any problem with what was the problem with that three losses in a row?
ROBIN SODERLING: Oh, well, I think after Barcelona I was a little bit tired. I played many matches in the States and in Indian Wells and in Miami. Then Barcelona after that, Davis Cup was also tough. I was a little bit tired in Rome, and I think I played pretty well in Madrid. I lost to a guy who played well.
So, you know, I'm feeling pretty good, and now I feel healthy and I feel like I'm really ready to play many matches here.
Q. Do you feel under much greater pressure this year after what you have achieved this year? How have your expectations changed this year compared to last year compared to usual?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, not really. As I said, every year is different, and that was all last year. Now I have to focus on this year. Of course I know that I can do well this year, as well, but it's not sure. There are so many good players out there. You have to play well every match, and you also need a little bit of luck.
Q. Do you like your draw?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I haven't actually checked so far in the draw, but, you know, it doesn't really matter, you know. Everybody can play good tennis on any day, so I have to think about myself and try to improve for every match, and if I can play well, I have a good chance to win more matches, I think.
RG 2010 - wywiad z Sodą po zwycięstwie w 2 rundzie
Q. You got off to a very good start and never really seemed to be challenged at any point. Were you surprised at how quick and seemingly easy it was?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. Of course, I mean, second round of the Grand Slam, you're not expecting to win that fast. But as you said, I played well and I got off to a great start. Broke him first game and I served pretty well in the first set, so, yeah, it was a good day for me.
Q. What can you say about the condition? Was it really different from the other day? It's much slower?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, it was different. It was much colder and a little bit windy. So it was different. It was not the easiest day to play on, but I think I handled it pretty well.
Q. Is it difficult when you're that dominant to keep your focus?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, not really. You know, I played so many matches so I know that everything can happen. Of course, you have to keep telling yourself that you have to stay focused because otherwise it can change pretty the match can turn pretty quick.
But I think, you know, I did it all the way today. I was still very focused even to the end, and the last game when he played a little bit better, I was still I kept my focus good.
Q. You've had two short matches, pretty easy wins. Do you have a sense of how you're playing or how things might go further ahead in the tournament, or has it been hard to judge where your game is at?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I don't think like that. You know, I'm happy with the two wins. As I said before, it doesn't matter how I play. What matters is that I won two matches and I'm in the third round. And I will always get a new chance to play better and better for every match.
Of course, I'm feeling good. I won two matches pretty easy in straight sets, and I didn't have to run for many hours on court so far, so I feel fresh and prepared for next round.
Q. Do you remember playing a three set match lasting one hour and 11 minutes?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I don't remember. Maybe I did, but I don't remember.
Q. I know that we are at Roland Garros. Everyone is talking about your last year and so on, but I'm Italian. I need your thoughts on Davis Cup, even if it's very far away. I'm sorry. What do you expect, I mean, that could be part of the team then? I mean, because you are the only Swede here in the men's draw. There were times when there were five or six in the top 10. Do you see any change in the future, and why the situation is so bad, I mean, in Sweden that there is only one player, men, and there are two women, if I remember well. First time there are more women than men.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, but I think it's pretty good for a country with only 9 million people to have a top 10 guy and two women in the main draw.
Of course it's bad if you compare to 20 years ago, but what Sweden had back then I don't think any country will have again, not even the biggest countries like France, like U.S., or Spain. So it's been very good.
I know I kind of feel we're coming back a little bit. We have a couple good juniors. Of course, it will take a while, but I think and I really hope in a few years' time we will have at least a few more players on tour again.
Q. So there is only Pim Pim Johansson who can play with you? And who else could play September?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, well, Vinciguerra played a couple matches, and he's a great player when he's healthy; same with Pim Pim. Of course we don't have that many players, but I think when we're all playing well and we're all healthy, we have a good team.
Q. You going to win?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, we at least will try.
Wywiad z Soderlingiem po wygranym meczu 4 rundy Rg10
Q. The match with Cilic, many people, myself, we thought it would be a very close match, hard match that maybe you would end up winning. I would think you would end up winning. But it happened much faster. Unexpected score, probably. How did you feel about that? The second question is: Are you happy to face Federer again, although it's not in the final but it's in the quarters?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think first question I think you're always expecting a tough match, whoever you play against. Against Cilic, we never played before, but he's a great server. Against guys like him, it's almost always tough.
But I think the conditions were a little bit tough today. It was windy; it was cold; it was tough to really get in a rhythm. But I think what was the biggest difference between us is I think I served better than him. I had more first serves in, and I was able to dictate play with my forehand a little bit more.
Second one, well, I mean, it's a quarterfinal of a Grand Slam, and I have to play either one of the top four guys. Of course it's tough to play against Roger, but it's all tough matches. I hope for a good match. It's always fun to play against him.
Q. In Abu Dhabi when you won the exhibition, you said or at least you were quoted as saying that the more times you play him, the closer you get to him. I wondered if you could talk about what your best played match against him has been, and what you did right in that match that you might take into this one.
ROBIN SODERLING: We played so many times over so many years now, so it's tough to remember. But I remember a few times I played against him when I came pretty close, especially one in Halle a couple years ago when I served and returned really well.
I think that's what you have to do against him, because of course he's the best player in the world. But even against him you will always get a few chances. Then you have to take them, because he won't give you any second opportunities.
You really have to play well in the important points, which he does so well, and that's why he's so good.
Q. A year ago you came here No. 23 seed, I believe; now you're No. 5. Tell us what is so different from a year ago. Maybe part of that is tell us about Magnus Norman and what he has done to change you at all.
ROBIN SODERLING: I don't know if I changed. I think one year ago or two years ago I think I could play really good tennis. My had highest level then was pretty much the same as now, I think.
But of course I'm winning more matches, and I think I'm winning more matches when I'm not playing my best tennis, which I didn't do so often before. That's the biggest change.
Of course, Magnus helped me a lot with a lot of things on and off the court, so he's been really good for me.
Q. You've become more consistent. Is part of that Magnus?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, yeah. Him and also me. We work together as a team. I think we did a really good job. As I said, you know, I have many things to thank him for. He's been really helpful.
Q. I was wondering which would be a more satisfying victory for you, beating Nadal on clay or beating Federer.
ROBIN SODERLING: I don't know, you know. It depends which tournament, which round, whatever, you know.
They're both really tough players to beat. They're No. 1 and 2 in the world. Beating them, it's a great achievement, I think. I think you have to play your best tennis.
It's very difficult, but it's not impossible, which I showed and which many other players showed in the past.
Q. I think the clay court form before this tournament was maybe not the best. Have you been a little scared? And on the other hand, are you surprised now that it's going so well?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, no. I haven't really been scared. Of course I wanted to win more matches than I did, but I think I played in finals in Barcelona, first clay court tournament, and I end up losing in a tough three sets against Verdasco, which is not a bad tournament.
Then of course I had a bad week in Rome when I didn't play well at all. But, you know, it can happen to anyone. It can happen to, you know, Roger, Rafa, everyone. They cannot play their best tennis every week.
So it's been I think overall it's been pretty good, but I think of course I wanted to have some more matches before coming into this tournament. But now I played four really good matches, and I'm feeling good.
Q. If I understand you correctly, are you saying that basically the difference between last year and this year and maybe between a top 20 player and a top 3 or 4 player, 5 player, is that you learn how to win without playing at your best level, that is, knowing how to win without being at your top level?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I'd like to think so. If you look at all the top guys, they're not playing the best tennis every week. Maybe you have three or four, maybe five matches in a year where you feel like you play really, really well.
The other 50 matches you still have to win, and then all the top guys, they win a lot of matches against good players without playing the best tennis. I think that's the biggest difference between a guy ranked in the top 10 and the guy ranked in the top 30, 40.
Q. You've cracked that secret. Can you tell us how it's done? Can you give us just one example of knowing how to win when you're not...
ROBIN SODERLING: Of course, winning a lot of matches against good players gives you confidence. I think this year and also last year I won a lot of matches against really good players, so my confidence is good.
You know, in matches like this, it's very often it's a couple of points here and there which decides the match. And then the guy who has the best confidence wins the match and the points most of the time.
Q. Would you prefer quicker conditions for your next match?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I haven't really thought about it, but I think it doesn't really matter. I think I can play well on both slow and faster surfaces and conditions. So, no, not really.
Q. You're not any more an outsider, but you're one of the top players. Does that add more confidence, or does that add more tension? Does it matter at all?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I don't think about it that much, because, you know, doesn't matter if you're ranked 5 or 50 in the world. You still have to win the matches. On court it doesn't matter what your ranking is. You still have to win the matches. I think that's how you have to think.
Q. Has your life changed at all off the court since you've become a top 10 player?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, no, not that much. Of course, it's been a little bit more hectic. I do more stuff outside the court, but, you know, I try to I try to live the same life.
You know, I think it's pretty similar. I still do the same things every day.
Q. You're not bothered on the street or when you're eating at a restaurant?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, of course, that, but it doesn't bother me that much. I always wanted to be where I am now, and I know that's the sort of things that comes with it. I have to accept it, whether I like it or not.
Q. Just to clarify just in the end on that one point, so a year ago were you somebody who, for example, when you lost those key points, would get down? And are you now a person who, when you lose those key points, you still retain your confidence and keep your energy up? Is that a difference?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, at least I try to. Sometimes it works, and sometimes not.
But, again, as I said, I think I could still play as good one or two years ago as I can do now, but it's you know, it's when I'm not playing when I'm not playing my best tennis, that has changed when I'm winning more matches now.
1.06.2010 - po 366 dniach Robin Soderling po raz drugi raz w karierze pokonuje nr 1 światowych list. W 1/4 RG okazuje się lepszy od Rogera Federera. Rok temu w 4r tego samego turnieju pokonał Rafaela Nadala (ówczesny nr 1 i również obrońcę tytułu w Paryżu) :)
Well done Robin :)
RG 2010 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w ćwierćfinale
Q. Two years in a row you beat the title holder. How it feels to be a giant killer?
ROBIN SODERLING: Hey, of course it's nice to beat the world No. 1 two years in a row on the center court. I think both times I play really good tennis. I think it's a great feeling.
Q. What about the statistics and now finally winning Federer?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, of course I didn't think about it that much. As I said, I think even though I lost so many times, I always have a chance to win. I came close a couple of times before, and I really feel like one or two times I actually been a little bit unlucky.
With a little bit of lucky I could have won before. Now I'm here finally with a win, and it's great.
Q. You had today the extreme focus?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I try to be focus in every match. Yeah, I think I played really well. Even in the first set it was a pretty good set. I didn't serve that well in the first. That was the only difference, I think.
But overall, it was a great match from the start until the end.
Q. What about the weather conditions and having to stop?
ROBIN SODERLING: Of course it's tough, but I played for so many years now, and this is how it is on outdoor tennis. It can rain, so you have to stay focused. I think I got pretty used to it, so it wasn't that bad.
Q. This is a similar win you had last year against Nadal, like overpowering him with your game. Do you think that the game you played against Federer today you could have played that match maybe if you had more experience or concentration against Federer in the final last year? Of course, your game grew, but maybe it was just a matter of mental preparation, last year's final?
ROBIN SODERLING: Oh, well, of course I think I played a better match today than last year's finals. As I said, it's difficult playing in your first Grand Slam final, no doubt.
You know, now I am in there and I played on the center court a couple of times. Yeah, it was a little bit easier this time.
Q. Swedes used to be pretty big around this town. Are you gonna start a revival?
ROBIN SODERLING: Oh, I hope so. You know, when I grew up, there were so many good Swedish players on tour. I looked up to them and they inspired me.
Hopefully, you know, I can do the same with young kids in Sweden now.
Q. You mentioned you have to play in any conditions. What was it really like? Was it sloppy underfoot? Did the balls get very heavy?
ROBIN SODERLING: The balls got heavy. I think I played good matches in these kind of conditions in the past, and I think it suits my game pretty well. It was a little bit slower, but I managed to serve really well and take the ball early. It helped me a lot.
Q. Swedish conditions, eh?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah.
Q. Last year when you beat Rafa it was a big sort of celebration, your arms waving on court. It was if it was a bit of a surprise to you even. Today, very cool, controlled celebration. Did you really believe today that you could win? Was that the difference?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think, you know, I always believe that I can win. This is a big win, but it's not the final.
You know, still have at least one more match to play, and I don't want to celebrate too much. I want to focus on the next game.
Q. Are you superstitious? This was the 13th match in general.
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, no, I didn't think about it that way. But, you know, again, losing so many times, I think you will come closer to a win eventually. I'm really glad that I won here in a Grand Slam and not in a smaller tournament.
Even though a win against Federer, it's always big.
Q. Berdych beat you in Miami 2 2 pretty badly. Do you think there will be any possibility of a replay of that here? What happened there that won't happen here?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, the match before I beat him 1 1. (laughter.)
I know every match is a new match, and he played great this year. He's a dangerous player when he's playing good.
So of course it can happen, but I'm expecting a tough match.
Q. You're going to be the answer to the quiz question who ended Roger Federer's semifinal run forever now. Do you think that's the greatest run of its kind in sports, not just tennis?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, maybe. I mean, it certainly is not easy playing, what is it, 23 or 24 consecutive semifinals, which is just huge.
Well, it's a great run.
Q. When one thinks about clay court tennis, often one thinks of a player with great wheels, great defensive skills, maybe a big topspin forehand, run down all the balls, hang in there forever. Could you talk about your game, how it maybe is different and how it matched up today against Roger?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, yeah. Maybe I don't have the typical clay court game, but I think I can do well on every surface.
Actually, I think I kind of like the slower surface a little bit more than the really fast ones. The last couple of years I played better and better on clay.
So when I serve like this and when I'm feeling like I'm hitting the ball well like this, you know, I think maybe clay is my almost my best surface.
Q. Could you analyze for us what and where was the turning point of the match, where you sensed that Federer was pulling down when you were resting high?
ROBIN SODERLING: Of course he had some chances in the second set. First set he played well. I didn't serve so well. Then in the second it was tough for me, and I saved a couple of really important points.
So I think when I won the second set, which was very big for me, I really felt that I could relax a little bit. After that, I think I start today play better and better.
Q. Once Vitas Gerulaitis said nobody can beat Gerulaitis 17 times in a row. What about you? And is this a better satisfaction than to beat Nadal, the same thing? What is the difference? Are you more confident now than you were maybe one year ago?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, it's a tough question. You know, I think they're both big wins, of course. They were both No. 1s. They're different players, and I'm really happy that I showed that I can beat them both.
But again, you know, I don't think about it that much. Of course I lost a lot of times, so it's a great feeling to finally end that streak.
But still, you know, I don't think about who I beat. You know, what matters is that I won and that I won quarterfinals in a Grand Slam and I get the opportunity to play semifinals in two days, which is great.
Q. Each time when you tried to challenge the call and you've been booed badly, how can you manage to stay focused? You just shut all the noise outside of your game? How can you manage that?
ROBIN SODERLING: It's not really difficult. I don't really care, you know. I play for myself and I play for the win, not for the crowd.
Kubecki napisał:
1.06.2010 - po 366 dniach Robin Soderling po raz drugi raz w karierze pokonuje nr 1 światowych list. W 1/4 RG okazuje się lepszy od Rogera Federera. Rok temu w 4r tego samego turnieju pokonał Rafaela Nadala (ówczesny nr 1 i również obrońcę tytułu w Paryżu) :)
Well done Robin :)
Facet zapisuje się w historii. :D W ciągu 12 miesięcy przerwał znakomite serie dwóch tytanów obecnej ery tenisowej. ;)
Tennis-Giant-killer Soderling has eyes on bigger prize
Robin Soderling knows he still has plenty of work to do after beating the world number one and holder at the French Open for the second successive year.
The Swede overcame Roger Federer 3-6 6-3 7-5 6-4 on Tuesday to reach the last four and end the Swiss maestro's run of 23 consecutive semi-final appearances in grand slam tournaments.
Last year Soderling put out Rafa Nadal in the fourth round.
But having lost to Federer in the final 12 months ago, the fifth seed said his victory would not mean as much if he lost to Czech Tomas Berdych in the semis on Friday.
"Of course, it's nice to beat the world number one two years in a row on the centre court," Soderling told reporters. "I think both times I played really good tennis. It's a great feeling.
"This is a big win, but it's not the final. I still have at least one more match to play and I don't want to celebrate too much. I want to focus on the next game."
BIG WINS
When he beat Nadal last year to end the four-time champion's unbeaten run at Roland Garros, Soderling celebrated in jubilant style on Court Philippe Chatrier.
On Tuesday, as Federer's forehand return sailed long, he simply pumped his fist to show his satisfaction.
Asked if beating the Swiss was better than getting past Nadal last year, Soderling took his time to answer.
"It's a tough question," he said. "I think they're both big wins, of course. They were both number ones.
"They're different players and I'm really happy that I showed that I can beat them both."
Soderling's victory also snapped his record of losing all 12 of his previous meetings with Federer.
"I (didn't) think about it that much," he said. "Of course, I lost a lot of times (to the Swiss) so it's a great feeling to finally end that streak.
"But still I don't think about who I beat. What matters is that I won and that I won a quarter-final in grand slam and I get the opportunity to play a semi-final, which is great."
Borg: Soderling będzie numerem 1 szybciej niż się tego spodziewamy.
STOCKHOLM (AP)—Sweden’s Bjorn Borg says compatriot Robin Soderling is within reach of the world No. 1 title after ending Roger Federer’s record streak of 23 consecutive major semifinals in the French Open.
Borg describes Soderling’s Tuesday game as “perfect” and says he will “become World No. 1 faster than we can expect” in an interview with the Expressen tabloid.
Soderling’s 3-1 set win against the Swiss champion topped all main sports pages in Sweden on Wednesday, which described it as “epic and historic.”
Borg holds a record six French Open titles from 1974-81. No Swede has brought home the title since 1988, when Mats Wilander won.
Zaraz, czy to nie ten pan który zakończył karierę w wieku 26 i to samo doradzał Fedowi po Wimblu 2008? :D
Robertinho napisał:
Zaraz, czy to nie ten pan który zakończył karierę w wieku 26 i to samo doradzał Fedowi po Wimblu 2008? :D
Tak ten sam. Również ten sam, co przed 1/2 USO 08 wskazał Rokera na Mistrza. :D
Soderling się męczył, ale awansował do finału!
Po trwającym trzy i pół godziny meczu Robin Soderling pokonał Tomasa Bedrycha 6:3, 3:6, 5:7, 6:3, 6:3 i awansował do finału turnieju French Open. Szwedzki tenisista udowodnił, że powtórka osiągnięcia sprzed roku nie była przypadkowa.
Półfinał z Berdychem był, zacięty i jednostajny. Brakowało spektakularnych akcji i długich wymian, ale trzeba pamiętać, że obaj zawodnicy preferują siłowy styl gry. W tej wyniszczającej walce nieco bardziej konsekwentny okazał się Szwed, choć popełnił też mnóstwo błędów.
Mimo wszystko Soderling może być w finale postrachem dla Rafaela Nadala albo Juergena Melzera.
- Tomas postawił mi trudne warunki. Jestem bardzo zmęczony - mówił po meczu z uśmiechem Robin Soderling. Szwed przegrywał już w setach 1:2, ale zdołał odwrócić losy meczu na swoją korzyść.
W Paryżu panowały wręcz ekstremalne warunki. 30 stopni w pełnym słońcu to dla tenisistów temperatura po prostu zabójcza. Obaj tenisiści wylali na korcie litry poty, ale po meczu cieszył się tylko jeden. - Choć te warunki dały się mi we znaki - opowiadał Soderling.
Szwed przez 24 miesiące jeszcze wzmocnił się psychicznie. W ćwierćfinale odprawił z kwitkiem pierwszą rakietę świata Rogera Federera, który przed rokiem poskromił go w finale.
DUN I LOVE napisał:
Borg: Soderling będzie numerem 1 szybciej niż się tego spodziewamy.
STOCKHOLM (AP)—Sweden’s Bjorn Borg says compatriot Robin Soderling is within reach of the world No. 1 title after ending Roger Federer’s record streak of 23 consecutive major semifinals in the French Open.
Borg describes Soderling’s Tuesday game as “perfect” and says he will “become World No. 1 faster than we can expect” in an interview with the Expressen tabloid.
Soderling’s 3-1 set win against the Swiss champion topped all main sports pages in Sweden on Wednesday, which described it as “epic and historic.”
Borg holds a record six French Open titles from 1974-81. No Swede has brought home the title since 1988, when Mats Wilander won.
:roll:
Soderling Battles Past Berdych For Second Shot At Title
Fifth seed Robin Soderling will attempt to become the first Swedish titlist at Roland Garros since Mats Wilander in 1988 after he fought past No. 15 seed Tomas Berdych 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 on Friday for a place in his second Grand Slam championship final.
Soderling, who captured his only clay-court title at the SkiStar Swedish Open at Bastad in July 2009, ended Berdych’s eight-match winning streak with victory in three hours and 27 minutes. By reaching the Roland Garros final for the second straight year, he is guaranteed to rise to a career-high No. 6 in the South African Airways ATP 2010 Rankings on Monday.
The Tibro native hit 18 aces (75 aces overall for the tournament) and 62 winners, converting six of 13 break point opportunities. Berdych, whose previous best Grand Slam performance was a quarter-final run at 2007 Wimbledon, committed 41 unforced errors and dropped to 1-13 lifetime against Top 10 opponents at major championships.
"Of course I could have lost that match," admitted Soderling, who will next meet four-time former champion and No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal of Spain. "It was very close. [It] was really tough to play my own game, because he didn't give me any time at all. He was hitting the ball really hard and really flat."
Berdych appeared the stronger player on return of serve in the opening exchanges, but a poor service game at 2-3 – that saw Soderling break on the back of a double fault – handed last year's finalist the initiative. Soderling confirmed a 5-2 lead with a service hold to 15, when he showcased just how much he has worked on his volleying technique since a six-month injury lay-off in 2007. Soderling backed up his potent serve with aggressive groundstrokes to keep Berdych behind the baseline in the 33-minute first set.
In the second set, Berdych had a change in fortunes. He was gifted a 3-1 lead courtesy of a backhand error and a double fault and could have taken a 5-2 lead, but Soderling saved two break points with pinpoint accurate serving. In 28° Celsius heat, Berdych clinched the second set in 39 minutes with an ace on his second set point opportunity.
The atmosphere began to build on Philippe Chatrier Court in the third set, when Soderling dropped to 0/40 in the third game. Flirting with disaster, Soderling got back to deuce through three unforced errors from Berdych. He saved a fourth break point with a forehand winner, but on Berdych’s fifth opportunity he hit a double fault.
But Soderling, the only Swede in the Top 300 of the South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings, turned the match around by playing conservatively and cutting down on errors. He was able to win three straight games for a 4-3 lead, after erratic serving from Berdych in the fourth and sixth games.
Berdych looked in big trouble at 15/40 in the eighth game, but won four straight points through solid serving and deft touch. The match turned on its head again at 5-5, when Soderling saved two break points but over-hit a forehand to gift Berdych a service break.
Just as it looked like Berdych might become the first Czech Roland Garros finalist since Petr Korda in 1992, Soderling raised his game. Breaking serve in the sixth game of the fourth set, he went on to take the pair's ninth meeting to a deciding set with an outstanding inside-out forehand winner in a tense service hold.
While the pair exchanged service breaks at the start of the fifth set, it was Soderling who proved ultimately mentally tougher than Berdych. Gaining a crucial break in the seventh game, Soderling won four straight points from 0-30 to take a 5-3 lead. Minutes later, Berdych hit a backhand wide at 30/40 to give Soderling another shot at the title. Last year, he fell to World No. 1 Roger Federer in the final.
"I think I can do well on any surface," said Soderling, who improved to a 27-9 match record on the season. He will be attempting to capture his sixth tour-level title in Sunday's final. "There's no surface I don't like to play on, which is a good feeling."
Berdych, who was the first Czech to reach a Grand Slam championship semi-final since Jiri Novak at the 2002 Australian Open, dropped to a 30-11 mark this year.
"It was a great two weeks for me," said Berdych. "Every round I [have] won here was a great moment."
Wywiad po awansie do finału RG2010
Q. Is the type of match the old Robin should have lost, I think.
ROBIN SODERLING: What's the old Robin? What's the new Robin? I never understand. Of course I could have lost that match. It was very close. But today I won it, so I'm happy with that.
Q. How much better do you feel equipped to handle a Grand Slam final now having played this one here last year?
ROBIN SODERLING: We'll see on Sunday, but of course it feels better. You know, it's always it's always the most difficult one playing your first. In any tournament, first match is the most difficult one.
Of course it was tough for me last year playing my first Grand Slam final. Hopefully it will be a little bit easier this time.
Q. With Berdych, you have maybe a little too similar games. There was not much rally in the game. There was like fast points won, fast mistakes. Did you expect that kind of game? Was it the same when you played him previously in Miami or elsewhere?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, he's tough to play. Today was really tough to really play my own game, because he didn't give me any time at all. The conditions were much quicker, and he was hitting the ball really hard and really flat.
So, again, yeah, it was tough to play today.
Q. Did you think that the quality of the match versus Nadal, you expect a similar match as the to last year's with Nadal, with more rally or more quality in the game than today's game?
ROBIN SODERLING: I mean, every match is different. Normally against Nadal the times I've played him before we had more rallies than if you compare to today.
As I said, every match is different. You never know what, how he's gonna play or if I play him. I mean, he's still playing against Melzer. So, I mean, conditions are changing a lot there, so we have to see on Sunday, I think.
Q. Since you played Rafa here last year, he's mentioned a few times or more it was implied that the knees were a problem or other things were bothering him. Has that bothered you that maybe that was some sort of excuse for his performance that day?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I never thought about it. Well, I think he's definitely not the only player who has some problem with his body. I think we all have that from time to time. So I never really thought about it.
You know, I was very happy with the win and my run here last year. I still am. It doesn't matter who I played or who I beat or if he was injured or not.
Q. Two or three years ago if somebody had asked you what Grand Slam you think you'd do the best at, would you have said Roland Garros?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, maybe. I think I can do well on any surface. There's no surface I don't like to play on, which is a good feeling, is very nice.
I think I play better and better on clay for every year. So I don't really have any favorite surface.
Q. Were you a little surprised and perhaps disappointed when you walked out to play at 1:00 and there were only about 2 or 300 people in the stadium?
ROBIN SODERLING: No. I didn't even notice.
Q. You didn't notice?
ROBIN SODERLING: No. Well, I was really focused on my match. No, it doesn't really matter. But I think at the end it was pretty full, eh?
Q. It was.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah.
Q. What was on your mind when you were down two sets to one?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, yeah, it was not easy. I know, he was playing really well, and I really felt that I had some chances in the third set, you know. I had a few break points.
But he came up with some really good serves on the important moments. So it was tough, you know. I had a really tough time trying to handle his serve.
But, you know, it was still two sets to one, and I was telling myself I can still win this. But of course it's tough to be down like that.
Q. (Through French translation) good afternoon, Robin. You defeated Nadal when you played him. He hasn't yet finished. Do you think that you have a psychological edge if you are to play against him in the final?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, we played many times. He beat me a lot of times, and I beat him a few times. So it was not the last match. You know, we played one or two times after that.
But of course it's always good to have beaten a player before. I know that I can beat him. I showed it.
But, again, you know, every match is a new match, and every match is different.
Q. Just going back to last year's experience again, what would you hope to do a little better? Perhaps start better in the final than you did last year? The nerves, you got used to the nerves now, what it's gonna be like now in the locker room beforehand.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, of course, I didn't get off to a great start last year, which was really tough for me.
But, you know, it's gonna be a long match. It's best of five sets. You can always work your way into any matches in a Grand Slam.
Yeah, it's not gonna be easy whoever I play, but I feel pretty confident. I'm playing really good tennis right now, and I will enjoy it for sure.
Q. Obviously Magnus made it to the final here and didn't win. Would there be any extra sort of pleasure for you to win the final because he got that far and didn't quite make it all the way?
ROBIN SODERLING: Oh, well, of course I think the final is the one match you really want to win most of all, but not maybe because he lost in the final.
I think he'd be glad for me, and I would be very glad if I win on Sunday. It has nothing to do with that.
Q. You managed to win today with 63 unforced errors, so what does it mean? You had to take all the risks?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I said before, you know, you cannot there's someone sitting and writing down the unforced errors, and I think it's tough for anyone to say what's an unforced error and what's not.
So I don't really look at the statistics like that, you know. He put me under a lot of pressure, and it was tough today. You know, as I said, I couldn't really play my own game because he didn't give me any time.
That's why maybe I missed a little bit more than I wanted to.
Q. It's tough for any player to play their first Grand Slam final; hard to imagine what goes through your head when you get on a court in the final Sunday when you get on that big stage. Now that you've done it before, what really can you learn from that? And will it help you?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, hopefully I won't be as nervous as I was last year, you know, playing that match. And not only the finals here last year, I think I played many big matches the last year against good players on big courts.
I learn from every one of those matches, and hopefully I will feel fine. And, you know, if I win it's great; but if I lose, you know, I will try my best, and hopefully it will be enough.
Q. Is that condition tougher for you than your last match against Federer? Definitely much warmer.
ROBIN SODERLING: Of course it's tougher when it's warmer, especially physically. But I think I can do well in any conditions.
But against Tomas, it was tough today because he was really fast and I wasn't really used to it. He hit the ball so hard and so flat, and then didn't give me any time at all. Today it was difficult.
Q. Sunday is much cooler than now.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, we'll see. I think I can do well in any conditions. I don't really think about it that much.
DUN I LOVE napisał:
Robertinho napisał:
Zaraz, czy to nie ten pan który zakończył karierę w wieku 26 i to samo doradzał Fedowi po Wimblu 2008? :D
Tak ten sam. Również ten sam, co przed 1/2 USO 08 wskazał Rokera na Mistrza. :D
To również ten pan, który sprzedaje teraz majtki sygnowane swoim nazwiskiem :D
Dobrze, że przegrałem do zera
Robin Soderling dobrze wiedział, czego oczekiwać po grze Nadala w finale French Open. Niewiele to jednak pomogło i Szwed, podobnie jak rok temu z Federerem, przegrał do zera. - Może to lepiej, bo trudniej jest przełknąć porażkę w ważnym meczu, w którym byłeś o włos od wygranej - zaskoczył Soderling.
- Rafa zawsze prezentuje się w ten sam sposób. Jego gra w różnych meczach specjalnie się nie różni - zauważył pokonany 6:4, 6:2, 6:4 przez Hiszpana w finale French Open Szwed.
- Jednak to, co potrafi, robi tak dobrze, że jest w stanie nie przegrać meczu na mączce nawet przez cały sezon. To niezłe osiągnięcie.
- Myślę, że każdy wie, czego spodziewać się po Nadalu. Porusza się bardzo szybko i każdą piłkę wraca na twój kort. Jest świetny w defensywie, ale też w jego grze ofensywnej niczego nie brakuje. Potrafi bardzo szybko przejść z obrony do ataku. Właśnie dlatego jest taki dobry - Soderling wychwalał Hiszpana, który na kortach Rolanda Garrosa wygrał już po raz piąty.
Szwed miał dwie szanse na przełamanie rywala już na samym początku meczu. Żadnej z nich nie wykorzystał, za co Nadal pokarał go przełamaniem w piątym gemie.
W dalszej części spotkania Soderling zmarnował kolejną dobrą okazję na odwrócenie losów. W drugim gemie drugiego seta nie wygrał jednak żadnego z czterech break pointów. Potem realnych nadziei na sukces Szweda już nie było.
- Myślę, że na początku miałem trochę pecha - podsumował przegrany finalista z ostatnich dwóch edycji French Open. - Miałem swoje okazje na przełamanie, nie wykorzystałem ich, a potem oczywiście musiało być ciężko.
- Oczywiście nie zagrałem z nim tak dobrze, jak rok temu. Nie miałem tak dobrego serwisu, nie uderzałem piłki tak czysto. Jednocześnie Rafa zagrał skrajnie dobrze. Praktycznie nie popełniał błędów - podkreślił Soderling przypominając przy okazji zeszłoroczny ćwierćfinał z Nadalem, który sensacyjnie zakończył jako zwycięzca.
- Kiedy Rafa gra tak skutecznie, musisz mieć naprawdę dobry dzień, żeby z nim powalczyć. Ja takiego nie miałem - przyznał Szwed.
W równie gładkiej co rok temu przegranej w finale French Open, Soderling dostrzegł jednak pewne zaskakujące pocieszenie.
- Przegrywanie w finale wielkoszlemowego turnieju nie jest niczym przyjemnym. Jednak ani w zeszłym roku, ani w tym nie byłem nawet blisko zwycięstwa. W obu przypadkach przegrałem w trzech setach. Może to lepiej, bo zawsze trudniej jest przełknąć porażkę w ważnym meczu, w którym jest się o włos od wygranej - wyjaśnił Robin Soderling.
Wywiad po przegranym finale RG10
Q. Apart the score, what was the main difference between last year and this year, your opinion?
ROBIN SODERLING: Every match is different. The margins are very small. Of course I didn't play as good this year as I did against him last year. I didn't serve as well. I wasn't hitting the ball as clean.
It was tough today. I didn't really get into the match.
Q. From the beginning, you mean?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, it was tough to get into the match. You know, of course he was playing well. He was playing extremely well.
He didn't miss much, but I had to really fight today.
Q. You, yourself, you didn't feel very well?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, it was tough. Of course I can play better. I wish I could have done that, but, you know, he played great. So all credit to him.
Q. Can you talk a little bit about the Berdych match and how much that took out of you going into today's match?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, it was a tough match. I think all the matches I played here has been tough in different ways, you know.
It's really difficult to stay focused for two weeks playing many matches. So they're all tough, but physically I feel fine. It was okay. It's not why I lost today.
Q. There was a little incident up with the people. Somebody fell down. Did that disturb your concentration? It was a moment where you were playing, the ball was heavier maybe, but you were starting to play inside.
ROBIN SODERLING: No, no, no.
Q. In any case, do you think there was a moment where the ball was getting, let's say thicker and heavier, and you were inside? Because from outside it seemed that you could change, let's say, at the beginning of the second set.
ROBIN SODERLING: What do you mean, the ball got...
Q. The humid conditions.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, it was humid already from the start. So I mean, conditions were good. Of course, it was a little bit windy, but it wasn't bad at all.
So, you know, it was good for me, and I think for both of us.
Q. You said that it wasn't because of that you lost today. Why did you lose today?
ROBIN SODERLING: Because he played better than me.
Q. Second question: Did you feel that you played differently today than you have been playing the days before?
ROBIN SODERLING: How do you mean, differently?
Q. I don't know. If you have felt that you should play differently today.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I lost. Of course I should have played in a different way if I wanted to win.
Q. How?
ROBIN SODERLING: You know, I know I played many matches here, and there have been both good and matches where I didn't play so good.
So overall, it's a great week. Of course, today wasn't my best match. But as I said, he played so well today.
Q. Two questions. There's a lot of matches between when you played him here last year and now, but I'm wondering if tactically you felt like he did anything different today than when you played him before. Secondly, just can you talk about the game, the long game in the second set when you had all the break points, and if that really sort of took the steam out of you.
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I think, you know, Rafa always plays kind of the same. He has more or less one game, but he does it so well it's enough to not lose a match on clay for a whole year, which is pretty good.
But as I said, you always know what to expect when you play against him. Yeah, I think in the beginning I was a little bit unlucky; I had a few break chances. I didn't take them, so then of course it was tough.
I don't think it would have changed anything.
Q. Just two questions. First, if now is all good feelings between Rafa and you. Second, if you foresee Rafa long time as No. 1.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I said, I don't know, like 200 times or even more, I have nothing against Rafa. I think he's a great player.
He definitely has the chance to be No. 1 for a long time if he plays like this. On clay especially he's real difficult to beat.
Q. I think you preferred kind of rainy, humid condition. It was kind of strange weather today. It was raining, rainy morning, but kind of sunny during that match. So could you explain what kind of condition it was? I mean, it was slippy or like the ball was heavy or...
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, it was humid, and of course it was a little bit windy. But I think the conditions were really pretty good for tennis today.
Q. Could you go into, a little bit more, the difference between your incredible win last year and the tough result today? What was the difference between the two matches?
ROBIN SODERLING: Okay. (Laughter.)
Okay. You didn't listen to the first question.
Q. I listened, but I wanted you to go into more detail.
ROBIN SODERLING: You know, every match is different, and the margins are really small. Maybe he played a little bit better. I didn't play as good as I did last year. I didn't serve so well. I wasn't hitting the ball as clean.
You know, I had some chances in the beginning, but I didn't take them. And then he won the first and then played really well in the second, so then, you know, that's about...
Q. If I could ask, the problems on converting the breakpoint opportunities you had, why such a big problem today getting conversions?
ROBIN SODERLING: I don't know. He played well. Yeah, I don't know. I have no explanation why I didn't take the break points today.
Q. Obviously you know what to expect from Rafa, but is it any real frustration when winners you would hit against anybody else he goes back and retrieves it, or have you already put that past you, you know you're gonna get that from Rafa and that's the way it is?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. As I said, you know, I think everybody knows what to expect when you play against him. That's why he's so good, because he's moving so well and gets everything back.
He's a great defensive player, but also has a great offensive game, as well. He can really change defense to offense really quick. That's why he's so good.
Q. Could anyone have beaten Rafa today on that form?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. I think the tennis is so tough today, so I think everybody can beat everybody on a good day.
You know, as I said, I think I can beat anybody. But when Rafa is playing like this, you need to have a really good day, which unfortunately I didn't have today.
Q. Is it more difficult for you to lose this final than last year's final?
ROBIN SODERLING: No. No, they're both tough, of course. (Laughter.) Losing a final in a Grand Slam is not great. It's not a great feeling.
But, you know, I wasn't close in any one of them. I lost straight sets last year and the same this year. It's always tougher if you lose a really, really close match.
Wimbledon 2010 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 1 rundzie
Q. You didn't play any tournament prior to this one. Why was that? Why did you opt for not playing?
ROBIN SODERLING: It was actually the same as last year. I was entered to play Halle. I felt like after Paris I played so many matches. I finished the final on Sunday and I had to go the next day to Halle.
It was just a little bit too much. I wanted to rest that week and then have a week off and then have a week of good preparations with a lot of practice. I got in one practice match, which was very good.
Q. Those were two pretty intense weeks in Paris.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah.
Q. Of course, you had the previous experience from last year. How did you deal with all the emotions and physical requirements you had throughout those two weeks and the following days?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, it was actually much easier this year. Last year it was a little bit tough, of course, you know, playing in my first Grand Slam final. It was really big for me. I was really tired one or even two weeks after the tournament's finished.
But this year was much easier. I felt fine only after a couple of days' rest. I think I learned a lot from last year's Roland Garros, not only that tournament but from the whole last year when I played a lot of big matches against good players.
Q. We don't know your next opponent yet because Granollers is going to play Frederico Gil from Portugal next. You know Granollers. Do you know Frederico Gil?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yes, I know him, but I never played him, I don't think. Granollers, I played a couple times. He's a tough player to beat. We had a really tight match here last year, and he beat me in Australia. I think either one, it's going to be a really tough match and I have to play at least the same way I did today.
Q. Your opponent today said you gave him a drumming. He said you just served him off the court.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I served really well. I think when I do that, especially on grass, you know, I always play well. Of course, it's always difficult to break me. Then I can relax a little bit in the return games.
And today I really did that. I think I played a really good first round match.
Q. He only had two breakpoints. You aced him both times.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, that's bringing out the best serves when it really matters. It's great.
But, you know, as I said, when I serve well, I normally play well, as well.
Q. Any advice for him?
ROBIN SODERLING: For him? Well, you know, every match is different. He actually beat me this year in Chennai. He's a great player. He will probably do well in the future.
Q. No Englishmen here. Just one Swedish player. What can you say? What's going on in your country? Can you give us an official opinion?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I don't think I'm the right person to ask. But, of course, we had a down period in Sweden now for a while. We had so much success in the past with so many good players.
But I think it's like that for any country. You know, you cannot produce good players all the time. I think we have a couple of good juniors doing pretty well. So hopefully, in a few years' time, I won't be the only Swedish player on tour.
Wimbledon 2010 - Wywiad po zwycięstwie w 3 rundzie.
Q. Three rounds and you've not dropped a set yet. You must be feeling very confident about your game.
ROBIN SODERLING: Sure, I think I played against three really good players, and, as you said, I didn't drop a set yet, even though maybe I was a little bit lucky to win the third set today.
But, you know, I'm serving well; I'm hitting the ball well. So far I'm feeling really good.
Q. You're one of two players to have beaten both Roger and Rafa at Grand Slams, and obviously you've done that at Paris. Can you do it again here?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. Well, did I did once, so I'm pretty confident that I can do it more times. Of course it's not easy. They're the two best players in the world. You know, you have to play really well and you have to have a really good day.
But I think if I have that, I think I have a good chance.
Q. Have you done anything different in your preparation between Paris and coming here this year?
ROBIN SODERLING: Compared to last year? No, no, the same.
Q. Is this the best you've ever played on grass?
ROBIN SODERLING: It's tough to say. Maybe I played better matches before. I think what I'm really happy with is that I played really well for three matches, nine straight sets now, without really dropping my level too much.
That's really good. I think that's what you need to do in Grand Slams where they spend over two weeks.
Q. Does the dry weather and the higher bounce help?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. I think it suits me well. To me, doesn't really matter. I think I can do well in any conditions and on any surface.
Q. Is your confidence at an all‑time high now given how you've been playing?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, of course I feel really good and my confidence is good because I think I've been playing really well for a year or almost a year and a half now, beating a lot of good players in big matches and in big tournaments.
So confidence is good. I think that's a really big thing in this sport.
Q. Can you explain what that feels like? If you sort of put the yourself to where you were a couple years ago, can you explain how different it feels when you step on court when you are so much more confident.
ROBIN SODERLING: When I step on court and before the match doesn't feel too much different.
It's just when you come to close moments in the match and when it gets tight, you know, I think I believe more in myself. I normally play better when it really matters.
Q. So does it make you more calm?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, and feel more calm and I believe in myself. I feel that I can go for my shots more and be aggressive. Most of the time it helps to be aggressive in big moments.
Q. You broke Rafa's Roland Garros streak and Roger Federer's semifinals streak. Which achievement are you more proud of?
ROBIN SODERLING: I don't know. They're both really good memories for me and great victories. You know, beating Rafa in Paris, he never lost before that match.
And then always beating Roger ‑‑ they were both No. 1s at the time, so it's tough to say. But they're definitely my two biggest wins in my career.
Q. Roger you beat on the 13th try, I think, and he has lost more than usual. Is he more vulnerable right now? Why? What's the main reason?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think it's really tough up in the top. You know, there are so many good players out there. There are so many players who can really play well and really compete for the bigger tournaments, like the Grand Slams. You know, Roger is No. 2 now, but of course he's one of the best players in the world. Maybe the best player of all‑time.
But you cannot win every match and you cannot win forever. You have to lose sometime. Even Roger has to do that.
Q. With Roger and Rafa having both been taken to five sets this year, is there a feeling that there's more of an opportunity for a group of players just behind them, such as yourself?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, not really just because of that. They both got through their matches. I know that anything can happen. You can play really bad one day, and then you wake up the next day playing really good.
They're both favorites. Roger is maybe the No. 1 favorite; Rafa is No. 2. A lot players can actually beat them.
Q. Can you talk a little bit how you have to adjust to play a left‑handed player? What is the main difference?
ROBIN SODERLING: Main difference is the returns, I think. The serve is coming from a different angle. It took a while today also to get used to it.
But I think even though he served well, I think I returned pretty well. There were a lot of games where I actually, you know, came pretty close with a lot 30‑Alls, 15‑30s. So I think I returned well today against left‑hander.
Q. Bjorn Borg sees you as a future No. 1. Do you see yourself that way?
ROBIN SODERLING: I haven't thought about it that much. But, of course, if you are No. 6 in the world I think you have a chance to become No. 1.
I know it's not easy. It's terribly difficult. And of course when you have players like Rafa and Roger, it makes it even more difficult.
I think if I can continue to play the way I do now and keep up my level for a long period, I think I have the chance. But, again, there are a lot of players that have the chance to become No. 1.
Q. Having beaten both of them and with their streaks, is it possible for you to put into words how much that's fueling the fire to break through against one of them in a situation like a Grand Slam?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I think, you know, the first win against any player is really good. It gives you a lot confidence. To win against, you know, the world No. 1 gives you even more confidence. It will for sure make it easier to play them next time.
Q. What does an endorsement from someone like Borg mean to you?
ROBIN SODERLING: Um, of course it's nice to hear. He's a legend in tennis. You know, I think everybody knows what ‑‑ that he knows what he's talking about. He's been at the top of this game for so long. But I still have to do it. It won't happen because he says that. I still have to work hard.
But as I said, I think I have a chance if I stay healthy, if I work hard, and if I play like this.
Q. How has your life changed off court through this success?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I do more media stuff, but that's about it. I still feel the same. I do the same things, so it hasn't changed too much.
Q. You can still walk around unworried in Sweden, or do people approach you all the time?
ROBIN SODERLING: I haven't actually spent so much time in Sweden. But I don't think Swedes are like that. They're pointing and looking more than approach you.
Unfortunately, tennis is not so big in Sweden as it used to be. Hopefully it will become bigger now when I'm doing well. Hopefully I can inspire kids to start playing tennis again.
Wimbledon 2010 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 4 rundzie
Q. Congratulations. Is this another important step in your career, reaching a quarterfinals at Wimbledon?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. Well, of course it's always nice to be in the quarters in any Grand Slam.
I think last year I had my best result so far reaching the fourth round, and now one step further at least.
Yeah, it's good.
Q. Do you feel your game on grass is improving?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, yeah, I think that my game overall is improving. I think I always could do well on any surface, grass included.
So I'm playing better and better. You know, I think I can do well, again, on any surface.
Q. This was a closer contest that your last three. Is that just because the opponent was a higher standard? Do you feel you played as well today?
ROBIN SODERLING: I think I played okay. I think I played a little bit better in my previous matches. And even though I felt I was hitting the ball well, but I didn't return so well. My first serve percentage wasn't good enough.
Apart from that, I think it was a good match. He played well.
Q. How did you find playing on Court 12. It's quite a small court. Did you find that a distraction?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, not really. Of course it's a bit different compared to playing on the Centre Court and Court 1.
But, you know, that's how it is. I think all courts here are good, so...
Q. You haven't lost your service until now. He's probably one of the most underrated returners in the game. What makes him such a tough returner?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, as you said, I think today he returned really well. He was putting a lot of returns back in court. You know, every time I had a second serve he returned really well.
Unfortunately I didn't serve so well this time compared to my last matches, but I think that's why he broke me a couple times.
Q. Was that your main problem this time round? It was such a see‑saw match. Was it because of the serve or a loss of concentration?
ROBIN SODERLING: No. Well, I think I started off the match really well, and then I had some really good chances in the second as well. I was up a break. So with a little bit of luck and if I could've played a little bit better, I think I could have taken it in straight sets.
Again, he played really well. At the end of the second and the third, you know, he returned really good. It was a tough match, so I'm a little bit lucky to have gone through this one.
Q. You had a medical timeout. Was that for anything serious?
ROBIN SODERLING: No. No. My stomach was a little bit upset. The doctor gave me a pill, and then after that it was fine.
Q. There was an instant right at the end where it looked like you spotted the ball girl looking a little bit unwell and you stopped playing. Could you talk us through what happened.
ROBIN SODERLING: Actually, at first I didn't understand what was happening. You know, all of a sudden they stopped play, and then I understood she didn't feel well. Must be tough for them to stay out there for so many hours. I hope she's fine.
It was just pretty bad timing, me serving for the match at match point. It could have happened a little bit earlier. But that's how it is. I hope she's fine now.
Q. What happened to Magnus?
ROBIN SODERLING: He played squash and he hurt his foot a bit. That's it.
Q. You're a Swede in the last eight at Wimbledon. That will excite a lot of people. What are your memories of the Swedes that came before you at Wimbledon?
ROBIN SODERLING: I remember when I was a kid, you know, I was watching Edberg playing against Becker in the finals. I always loved to watch the bigger tournaments, especially Wimbledon, such an old tournament with a lot of tradition.
So it's nice to be in the eight in this one.
Q. When you were growing up, which Grand Slam did you dream of winning?
ROBIN SODERLING: All of them. (Laughter.) Many times.
No, of course I think, for me, Wimbledon is the biggest one. Even though, you know, if I had to pick one I really wanted to win, I would pick Wimbledon.
But it would be okay to win French and US Open as well.
Q. Obviously looks like you'll be up against Nadal again. Given your success against him in the past, you must relish that contest.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, it's gonna be an extremely tough match. He's world No. 1. We played a lot of times and had a lot of tough matches.
Again, it's a quarterfinals in a Grand Slam. It's gonna be tough for sure. But, you know, I think it's definitely easier to play him on any other surface than clay.
Q. What was the key to your success against him in the past, do you think, that you have to reproduce?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think you have to do everything well to beat him. He's such a great player and he moves so well and has a great offensive game and also a great defensive game.
Um, I have to play my own game and take initiative pretty early in the points and serve well.
Q. Are the courts to your liking? Or if it were a little bit colder the ball would bounce a little bit lower, would you prefer it?
ROBIN SODERLING: I'm not sure. I think I ‑‑ only looking at myself, you know, I think I play a little bit better when it's hotter and it's bouncing a little bit higher. But I think Rafa would probably say the same.
To me, doesn't really matter. I take whatever condition it is.
Q. Roger Federer made an interesting comment. He was talking about the England/Germany game, and said that the best players need to play the best players to bring the best out of themselves. Is that something you can relate to?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, not really. You know, I always try to do my best in any match. But maybe it's different for Roger because he won so many matches and he played so many Grand Slam finals.
Me, I think, you know, I'm trying my best all the time. Sometimes I play well; sometimes I'm not playing as well. That's tennis.
Q. What do you think about next round probably against Nadal? He's winning. Just one game.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, if I play him, you know, as I said sure it's gonna be a really tough match. He's a great player, of course. He's the world No. 1. So I have to play well.
I think if I can do that I have an decent chance.
Q. Better than today?
ROBIN SODERLING: If I have to play better?
Q. Better than today.
ROBIN SODERLING: I'm not sure. It's gonna be a different match. He's a left‑hander, and he's not really playing the same style. So I have to think about that.
But I always hope to play better. You know, I always hope to play really well every match. Hopefully I will do that.
Wimbledon 2010 - wywiad po porażce w ćwierćfinale
Q. It was a brilliant start for you. What will you say went wrong for you or what went right for Nadal?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think the difference was that he returned a little bit better than me. Uhm, I was a little bit frustrated today because I didn't put many returns in.
Of course, he served pretty well. But it's not like I'm playing one of the best servers on tour. I have to at least put some more returns back in play.
Q. How was your left foot? You received some treatment at the end of the third set. Was that hampering you a bit?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I have a small blister on my toe. I won't die. I think I'll be fine.
Q. So it's no reason...
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, again, I had a small blister on my toe, so nothing serious.
Q. Did you think it would be more politic to wait until the end of the set, given he was about to serve?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, it was hurting me quite a lot. I think it's better to have it fixed than play with it. Don't you think?
Q. Do you think you rushed the first set?
ROBIN SODERLING: I'm sorry?
Q. Do you think you rushed the first set, you were in a hurry?
ROBIN SODERLING: I think I started well. And, you know, in first set I was a bit lucky to win the breakpoints. During the last three sets, I had my chances. Well, in the second and the third. I didn't really take them. So I think that was the biggest difference.
Q. At the start of the second set you successfully challenged the call. Rafa was quite upset that he lost that point. Do you think that kind of fired him up that he improved after that?
ROBIN SODERLING: No. I don't know, I haven't thought about it. It was a really important point. And, you know, I had the ball in play on the breakpoint, but he played well.
I don't know if that was a change. But, again, it was a really important one for me.
Q. You had points on a lot of his service games. I think he had very few when he saved to love. Do you feel he was serving weaker than he has in the past or were you returning well, especially at the start?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I think he served like he always does. He put a lot of first serves in. He doesn't have a huge serve, but it's pretty good, especially on grass.
I didn't return so well. I was a little bit frustrated. I think in my first three matches I returned really well. Last one and this one, not so good. So I think that was the biggest difference.
Q. Do you think, like the Ferrer match, take out of you some points of stamina? I mean, did you feel a little bit tired or not so confident after the Ferrer match?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, no. It was a long match, but yesterday I felt good in practice. And today physically I feel fine.
So, no, not really.
Q. Do you think Rafa is playing as well this year as anyone? How does he compare, his level, as in the French Open?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think he's playing well. He's hitting the ball very well. Of course, he's moving well, as always.
But, you know, it's very difficult to compare how he's playing on grass compared to clay. But he's the world No. 1, and I think he's playing pretty solid tennis. He's got a good chance to win this one.
Q. You say he has a good chance to win the tournament?
ROBIN SODERLING: I think so, yeah. I think everybody still in has a good chance. But now that Roger lost, I'd pick him as the favorite.
Q. If you were to look back and check the Rafa of 2007, the long match between you guys, and the Rafa of today, what's the difference for you?
ROBIN SODERLING: In his game?
Q. Yes.
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think he's playing a little bit more aggressive now on faster surfaces. I'd say on clay he's playing pretty much the same. But, again, on faster surface, he's playing a little bit more aggressive.
Q. I take it would have known about the Federer result. I think it was a bit after the first set. Did that affect your match in any way because you saw he'd gone out?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, no, no (laughter).
Robin Soderling po raz pierwszy w karierze w Top-5!
Podwójny finalista Roland Garros (2009, 2010) Rozgrywa najlepszy sezon w swojej dotychczasowej karierze. Szwed od wczoraj okupuje 5 miejsce w rankingu Entry, najwyższe w karierze. Gratulacje! ;)
05.07.2010
5 Soderling, Robin (SWE) 4,935
US Open 2010 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 1 rundzie
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. That was quite a battle in the end. You must be pretty pleased to have gotten through it.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, of course. It was really a tough match and tough conditions. I think it was pretty hot. Of course I wanted to finish it in three when I had the match point, but as you said, I'm very pleased with the win.
Q. It must have been frustrating, because you could have finished it off when it was sort of an hour and a half...
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, as I said, I was very close having three or four match points and couldn't finish the match, so of course I wanted to do that. But it's better to win in five than lose in five.
Q. I'm sure better than winning in five is winning in three, especially when you're beginning a fortnight tournament. But on the other hand, one can say that starting a tournament, being pushed, being pressed, and being able to prevail in five sets is not so bad a way to start, yeah?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I think I feel pretty good physically. I mean, I had almost four good hours of practice, so it's not so bad.
Q. Are you happy with the game, happy with the way you played out there?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. Well, I think I can play better, of course, but, you know, I played worse. It's okay. I've been working hard now and still working hard, so hopefully I will play better already in my next match.
Q. Do you come into this tournament feeling that expectations are higher of you now than ever before entering this particular tournament? If so...
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, no -- well, I try not to care too much about expectations. You know, I play for myself, and I know that if I play well I can do really well here. But I played for so long now that I know that every player, every opponent is dangerous, and you have to play -- you have to play well to win. I think that shows today. I played against a qualifier. I don't know his ranking, but it's not so high, and it was a very close match.
Q. Are you as confident entering this tournament as you've ever been at this time of the season?
ROBIN SODERLING: It's been a little bit up and down for me this season. I think I played really well in Paris and in Wimbledon, and then after that I didn't play so well for a couple of tournaments. But as I said, you know, I've been working hard. I played for so long now, and it's been a lot of up and downs for me. So far, it's always been better after a while when I didn't play so well, and I'm pretty sure it will come soon.
Q. Is the confidence high when you go into a Grand Slam? You talked about both Wimbledon and Roland Garros where you obviously played well. Do you then arrive at Grand Slams with an extra sort of buzz about it? Seems to bring out the best in you.
ROBIN SODERLING: I think everybody wants to do well in the Grand Slam. I'm very happy the way I've been playing in the bigger tournaments now for the last year and a half or almost two years. I think I showed that I can go very, very deep in every Grand Slam. Yeah, I think I showed that for many tournaments now. But again, you know, you have to play well, you know. I can't just go on court and not fight and not playing well. Then you will lose.
US Open 2010 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 2 rundzie
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Could you talk about the match, the way you felt you played today.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, it was good. I think I was hitting the ball pretty well. Served well, especially in the two first sets. You know, I managed to break him first game, which was good. And then after that, I kind of relaxed a little bit and played better. So overall it was a very good match, I think.
Q. The expectations of you are higher going into a Grand Slam. From your perspective, do you feel that expectations are higher because of the kind of year you've been having? If so, how does that affect you?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I feel there is some more expectations. But, you know, I played so many Grand Slams and so many tournaments, so I know what I did in previous tournaments doesn't really matter. Every tournament is a new tournament. I'm pretty confident with myself. I know that I can do well when I play well. But you need to play well. No one can play well every match. So anything can happen. I can lose first round; I can go on really deep to the second week as well.
Q. How do you feel about playing in New York?
ROBIN SODERLING: I like this tournament. I like all the Grand Slams, mostly because they're so different from each other. I mean, this is definitely the loudest one. It's different, and I like it. I really enjoy playing some night matches here in the past. It's a nice tournament to play.
Q. It's very early in the tournament. Most players like to go match by match. Do you project ahead a little bit, what it would be like to be in a semifinal or final here?
ROBIN SODERLING: It would be very nice. No, again, you know, there's a lot more matches to win before the semis. I have to beat a lot of good players. I have to focus on my next round. I think, again, if I play well, I have a good chance. If I win, I'm into the fourth round and it's the second week. I think everything can happen. But you need a little bit of luck, as well.
Q. You mentioned you don't play well all the time. You don't want to leave it to chance. What will you do to try to maybe help that along so it isn't just luck?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I'll try to work hard every day. Especially I try to work on things in my game that hasn't been working lately. And I feel like if I always give hundred percent and work hard, there's not much more you can do.
Q. The way you celebrated at the end suggested that was a match that could be difficult for you. Is that fair to say?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. He's a dangerous player, especially on faster surfaces like this. But I was really happy with the way I played, and to beat him in straight sets shows that I'm playing good.
Q. There's been a lot of talk about what Magnus has done for you as far as making you a better player, helping you rise in the rankings. I know you're recently married. Can you talk about how that has helped you?
ROBIN SODERLING: I'm not married.
Q. What is it about being married as a pro tennis player? Is there a feeling you might lose your competitive edge if you get married?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I don't think so. Me and my girlfriend, we've been together for three years. I don't think it will change anything. We'll still have the same life.
Q. What do you know about your next opponent?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, we actually played earlier this year I think on clay. He's a good player. I mean, he can hit very well from both sides and has a good serve. I think, you know, he's a dangerous player, especially on hard courts. It's not going to be easy.
Q. How fast are the courts playing this year?
ROBIN SODERLING: They are pretty fast. I think especially when the weather is like this. Now I heard maybe it's going to cool off a little bit. Then the conditions will be probably a little bit slower. But, you know, the first couple days here it's been really fast.
Q. Do you prefer it a little bit slower or are you happy the way it is?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I think a little bit slower would suit my game a little bit better, I think.
US Open 2010 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 3 rundzie
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. You must be very happy with the way you've been playing in this tournament. You seem to be cruising pretty much through.
ROBIN SODERLING: Except the first round. No, it's been better and better, I think. Started my first match maybe not so great, but after that I think I played two pretty good matches. And today was not easy. It was difficult conditions. I told myself before the match, It's not gonna be pretty. I think during the circumstances, I played a pretty good match.
Q. How would you say this connects to the rest of the summer on hardcourts for you?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I only played two tournaments, and I think, you know, I had two good wins and two losses against good players. Maybe the result hasn't been really what I wanted to, but I played some pretty good tennis, so it's been okay. It's been good preparation for this tournament.
Q. These days, when fans of Roger and Rafa look at the draw, the first thing they look for is, Where is Soderling? How does that feel?
ROBIN SODERLING: (Smiling.) Well, I think they should look for many other players, because I think there's a lot of players who can do really well. Of course, in any tournament, when Roger and Rafa is playing, they will be the favorites. But, again, I think there is many players who can actually beat them.
Q. Have you played any better this year than you did when you played against Federer in Paris?
ROBIN SODERLING: What was that?
Q. Have you played any better than you did in that match in Paris?
ROBIN SODERLING: It's tough to compare matches. It was definitely a very good match. It's tough to say if it was one of my best ones, but of course, you know, it's always difficult to play against Roger. I played him a lot of times, and I think almost except from that last match I never felt that I played well. But that's not because of me. That's because of him, because he makes you play bad. So I think it was a very good match. One of my best five matches this year.
Q. One of his last service games he hit, I think it was a service winner ultimately, but you had some problem with that. I don't know if it was a Hawk Eye issue, or a call issue. You spoke to the umpire a little bit. Do you remember that?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, yeah. It was a let serve. I think during the match there were a couple of strange let calls. I think she called let when not one of us heard, and it then all of a sudden she didn't call it. Yeah, I think it was the machine.
Q. When you came on the tour, what would you have thought was your best surface, and what do you think your best surface is now?
ROBIN SODERLING: Now I'm not sure. (Smiling.) When I started, I had my best results indoors and on faster surfaces. But I think last two years I played very good on all surfaces, especially on clay. So now I'm not sure anymore, which is a good thing, because I really feel like I can do well on any surface.
Q. How close to ideal do you feel this surface is to you in terms of your comfort level on the court?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think it's a good surface for me. I played well here in the past. Um, the thing is that a lot of the courts are not the same. Some courts are a little bit faster. Some courts are a little bit slower. So I think some courts suits me better than other ones. But overall, I think it's pretty good for me. It's not too fast, not too slow. It's good.
Q. Why do you think this is the one Slam that Nadal has not won? You're very familiar, obviously, with his game. You've seen him on all the different surfaces. In your mind, why do you think the US Open has been particularly difficult for him?
ROBIN SODERLING: I think you should ask him. He could easily have won this one, as well. But I think it might be the fastest one, and even though he has improved his game on the fastest surfaces, I think he still is a better player on the bit slower surfaces. Maybe that is why. But I think he will definitely have a good chance to win this tournament a couple of times.
Q. If he is successful here, given his head to head with Roger, do you think it's a matter of time before he'll be looked at maybe as even greater than Roger?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, he's still very young, and of course he needs to win a lot more matches and a lot more tournaments before he's at the same level as Roger. But if he's gonna be healthy, he for sure have a lot of more years, and he's for sure gonna be win many more tournaments. It's tough to say, but he definitely got the chance. He's got a very good game, and he also got a good game for any surface, you know. I think it shows. He won so many tournaments on all different surfaces.
Q. You have a reputation as a giant killer. I'm sure that's a pleasant one to have. Is it ever irritating? Do you feel you're ready to move on to the next level where you're a giant instead of a giant killer?
ROBIN SODERLING: Oh, no, I don't really care. I think Roger and Rafa, they're best two players in the world right now. I think it will remain like that for a couple of years. But, you know, I'm in the top 5. Of course I want to improve. I want to do better. But it's also a matter of doing well many matches, many tournaments in a row, not only ones here and there. I think you need to play at a very consistent level throughout the whole year.
Q. You go about your business very quietly. Is it getting harder to do that with the kind of attention you're getting now because of your recent results?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, a little bit maybe. But, you know, I still feel the same, and I'm doing the same things every day: working on my game and trying not to think about other stuff. I think I've been handling it pretty well. I still want to improve, and hopefully -- I'm still not that old, so hopefully I can do that.
Q. Peter talked about how people look at where you are in the draw. Have you looked a bit ahead? Do you know what's coming possibly next round and the round after?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I saw Montanes won in his match against Nishikori. I will play him in the next round, which will be a very difficult match. We played many times. We had tough matches. Yeah, I think here was the first round last year we had a tough four setter, I think. He's a good player. It's gonna be tough.
Q. Do you know what might happen the round after that?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. Everybody has been telling me that since the draw came out. I'm going against Roger in the quarters. He still needs to win two more matches, and I still have to win one more. It's still far ahead.
Q. Does that bother you people have been telling you, or it's gonna happen no matter what you do?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I mean, I'm the fifth seed, so I know I'm gonna play one of the four top guys in quarters. I mean, they're all good players, so it doesn't really matter who I'm playing.
Q. I assume you're still coached by Magnus. You appear to be very well coached. Can you just comment on the kinds of things you've been doing and how you've been maintaining this level?
ROBIN SODERLING: Ah, yeah, we've been working on many different things. I think if you look at all the top guys, they don't really have any weaknesses. They are all very complete players. That's what we've been trying to work on, you know. We've been working a lot on my footwork, on my movement around the court, and also playing a little bit more aggressive, coming to the net sometimes. It's been working, but we are still working on it, and hopefully I'm pretty sure it can improve even more.
US Open 2010 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 4 rundzie
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Does it bother you that you're probably the best tennis player who is not a household name at this point? Do you see winning the Open as a way to get into the Federer/Nadal household name?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I never think like that. Of course, you know, I want to win every match that I play. Like anyone else, I'd like to play well in the Grand Slams. But, you know, I don't think like that.
Q. What is the sort of mental approach to getting ready for a match against Federer or Nadal? You're one of the few guys that has beaten them on these stages.
ROBIN SODERLING: I try to prepare the same for every match. You know, I have my routines. I do the same things. You know, it makes me calm. So it's no different from any other match.
Q. Henrik Lundqvist, goalie for the New York Rangers.
ROBIN SODERLING: I don't know him. I've spoken to him a couple times, but I don't know him. He's big here in New York.
Q. Can you tell us a little of today's match? Are you getting better in your form?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, yeah, I think my first match here was not so good. Then I think I played better and better for every match. I still have some things to improve before I can say I play really well. But, you know, I think I'm playing better and better. And today was overall a pretty good match.
Q. What improvements specifically do you need to make?
ROBIN SODERLING: I think everything can be better, you know. Again, I'm playing a little bit better, but it can be even better.
Q. You didn't always seem to see eye to eye with the umpire. What was that about?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, she refused me to make a challenge. It never happened to me, ever in my career. So I was a little bit confused. That's it.
Q. Since you were runner up at the French Open last year, you have been very consistent in the slams. Do you now expect yourself to be at least in the quarterfinals every time?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, no, of course not. I think every match is tough. I really feel that I can go very, very far in the big tournaments. But also I can lose early if I don't play well. So I have to be a hundred percent focused for every match and play well. Then I have a good chance to compete for the bigger tournaments. But if I'm not playing well, you know, I can lose early.
Q. Looks likely you'll be playing Roger Federer. Do matches like that just pump you up even more, because you seem to get the better out of them than other players? I know you don't prepare differently.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, of course, I think it's always a very nice feeling to play against the world's best. You know, it's matches like that you train for. It's matches like that I've been dreaming of playing since I started playing tennis, you know, playing at the big courts in the big tournaments. It's very fun.
Q. If you do play Federer, are you going to watch the replay of the Del Potro final last year?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, well, you know, I played him so many times, I know his game and he knows mine. I'm pretty sure how I need to play to have a chance to win. But, you know, it's going to be extremely difficult if I play Roger.
Q. Is there a slight chance for Melzer to win tonight?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I think he's a great player. He played really well the last year or so. Of course, Roger is the big favorite. But I think if Jurgen plays well, I think anybody can beat Roger, anybody at least in the top 10. I think he had a great year, but he had some losses this year. Of course, there's a chance.
#6 Paryż-Bercy 2010 
R48 Bye
R32 SIMON, Gilles (FRA) 6-4 6-0
R16 WAWRINKA, Stanislas (SUI) 7-6(3) 6-3
QF RODDICK, Andy (USA) 7-5 6-4
SF LLODRA, Michael (FRA) 6-7(0) 7-5 7-6(6)
F MONFILS, Gael (FRA) 6-1 7-6(1)
Jest to najlepszy turniejowy skalp Szweda w karierze. W Bercy po raz pierwszy wygrał turniej Masters. Jest pierwszym Szwedem po 10 latach, który wygrał Mastersa (ostatnim razem w 2000r. wygrał Thomas Enqvist w Cincinnati). Robin wygrał po raz 1 pierwszy w karierze więcej niż jeden turniej w sezonie (w tym roku wygrał także w Rotterdamie, na początku sezonu).
Soda na francuskim gruncie pokonał 3 Francuzów. Nieźle. ;-D
ATP Paryż: Największy tytuł w karierze Söderlinga
Robin Söderling wywalczył w Paryżu-Bercy pierwszy w karierze tytuł w turnieju Masters 1000. W finale Szwed, piąta rakieta świata, pokonał faworyta gospodarzy Gaëla Monfilsa (6:1, 7:6 w 1h17').
Dwa finały Roland Garros są nie do przecenienia, ale w sporcie liczą się wygrane. Söderling po raz trzeci w trzeciej potyczce (poprzednio w ubiegłym tygodniu w Walencji) nie dał się Monfilsowi i przed jego paryską publicznością sięgnął po swój szósty, ale największy tytuł. Przed Szwedem jeszcze jedno wyzwanie w tym sezonie: Masters w Londynie.
Dlaczego zwycięstwo w Palais Omnisports w XII dzielnicy Paryża smakuje tak słodko? A gdzie jak nie w paryżu Söderling przegrał dwa wielkoszlemowe finały? W tym roku to jego drugi triumf turniejowy, po Rotterdamie w lutym. W Bercy obronił trzy meczbole w meczu półfinałowym z Llodrą. W poniedziałek awansuje na czwarte miejsce w rankingu.
Podobnie jak w Walencji, Söderling nie dał Monfilsowi ani jednej szansy na przełamanie. On był lepszy (o 20 punktów), skuteczniejszy (88% punktów po swoim pierwszym podaniu), częściej atakował (26 winnerów przy 20 piłkach zepsutych, 15/18 wygranych akcji przy siatce).
W otwierającym secie serwujący rywale zdawali się walczyć łeb w łeb, gdy przy 1:2 zupełnie pogubił się Monfils: zrobiło się 0-40. Pierwszego break pointa paryżanin obronił akcją serw&wolej, ale później zmuszony przez Szweda do błędu wolejowego stracił podanie. Kolejny raz miało to miejsce przy 1:4, gdy Söderling zdecydowanie zaatakował na równowagę, a dzięki błędowi Monfilsa miał break pointa, którego wykorzystał pięknym passing shotem po krosie.
Bez break pointów w drugiej partii, szybko rozstrzygniętej w tie breaku: Monfils już na początku popełnił podwójny błąd serwisowy, a sytuacja ze sprawdzeniem śladu przez Söderlinga (zamiast 2-3 było 1-4) zupełnie go chyba zdekoncentrowała. Po zwycięskim woleju Szwed padł na kort i uśmiech z twarzy mu już tego popołudnia nie miał prawa zniknąć.
Monfils: Trofeum przywiozę z Belgradu
Söderling: - Gaël, gratulacje za znakomity turniej! Ciężko jest przegrać dwa finały z rzędu w jednym turnieju. Ja mam to za sobą, w tym mieście [śmiech]. Dziękuje rodzinie, która wiem, że mnie teraz ogląda [macha do kamery]. Dziękuje za wsparcie teamowi i mojej cudownej dziewczynie Jenni [Moström].
Monfils: - To był kolejny znakomity dla mnie tydzień. Emocjonalnie dałem z siebie wszystko. Znowu uciekła mi szansa na tytuł, ale mimo wszystko muszę podziękować za wsparcie rodzinie i mojemu teamowi. Nie dałem wam zwycięstwa tutaj, ale puchar wam przywiozę. Z Belgradu! [finał Pucharu Davisa, 3-5 grudnia].
Brawo Robin! Należało się. 2-krotny finalista turnieju wielkoszlmeowego powinien mieć wygranego Mastersa. :P
15.11.2010r.
Robin osiąga swoją najwyższą pozycję w karierze po zwycięstwie w Paryżu. Jest obecnie na 4 pozycji, wyprzedził w rankingu utrzymującego się od dłuższego czasu na tym miejscu Szkota, Andy'ego Murraya. ;-)
Soderling's strictly second tier
When it comes to reflecting on the merits of different tennis players at any given time a number of people seem to stick on their hyperbole hats and jump to extremes.
Thus Roger Federer regularly bounces from being completely washed up to back to his best, while Andy Murray hovers from future multiple Grand Slam champion to a mummy's boy who is destined to live a Henman-esque Slam-less existence.
Invariably the truth lies somewhere in between. Tennis players are never as good, or as bad, as the people who passionately praise or grumble about their talents say they are.
With all that in mind, Tramlines would like to dispassionately congratulate Robin Soderling on winning his first Masters title in Paris last week and moving up to a career high ranking of fourth in the world.
However, it is just silly talk to suggest that this will precipitate an avalanche of further Masters titles and Slams from the Swede.
Soderling is not suddenly going to beat up on the big boys on a regular basis. He is what he is: an excellent, consistent, second-tier slugger in the fashion of Nikolay Davydenko, David Nalbandian, Ivan Ljubicic and Tommy Haas.
All four of those players reached the top three in the world (Haas was as high as two at one stage) without ever residing at the same elite level of Federer, Rafael Nadal and to a lesser extent Novak Djokovic and dare we even say it... Murray.
Let's stick to that comparison with Murray for a moment. Soderling has reached as many Grand Slam finals (two) as Murray and now stands above him in the rankings. He even beat the Scot quite emphatically in Indian Wells this season - the first meeting between the two in four years.
However, does anybody genuinely believe that the Swede is the better player? A more consistent player, maybe, but certainly not a better one.
You just have to look at their respective records against the current top three in the world to get a sense of things.
Soderling's combined record against the 'big three' stands at 4-24, while Murray has a 15-17 record.
Of course Murray has plenty of his own problems - lack of attacking intent, temperamental issues, the burden of a ruthless national media, lack of consistency etc - but he can, and has, reached a world class standard in the past that suggests he has Slams in him.
Soderling, though, is simply an excellent pro who still lacks that X-factor that suggests he can reach the very highest level.
Just look at who he beat to win in Paris: Gael Monfils, Michael Llodra, Andy Roddick, Stanislas Wawrinka and Gilles Simon.
A collection of has-beens and wannabes - all players you would expect Soderling to beat when he is playing at his best.
And this is what we can expect to see from the Swede for the rest of his career. He will usually beat the players he is supposed to beat and lose to the ones he is expected to fall to.
He's no Superhero - he's Robin, not Batman.
Tramlines predicts he will finish his career without a Slam - but with about $15 million in career prize money.
Poor him, eh?
SODERLING FINDS THE X-FACTOR
DEUCE
He always had the brutal groundstrokes and thunderous serve. Now that Robin Soderling has the mental toughness, he’ll be hard to stop at this year’s tournament.
The first thing you notice about Robin Soderling is his sheer power. Those who saw the Swede in action at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals last year, when he reached the semi-finals, will remember how his brutal groundstrokes had opponents constantly scrambling back in defence.
“Aggressive. That’s the way I like to play,” says the 26 year old. “I like to hit hard and make my opponents run. When that’s working, I always get my best results.”
It’s certainly been working throughout this year. Back in February he won the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. He also reached the quarter-finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open, and advanced to the Roland Garros final for a second straight year. But it was on the eve of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals that he posted his finest result of the season, winning his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title at the BNP Paribas Masters. Surely it’s only a matter of time before he gets a Grand Slam title under his belt?
“Soderling has improved a lot of things in his game,” says Bjorn Borg, another Swede who knows a thing of two about success in the majors. “He’s ready to win a Grand Slam tournament. He’s always going to be one of the favourites to win.”
Along with Stefan Edberg, Mats Wilander and Thomas Enqvist, Borg is one of the Swedish legends whose shoes Soderling is trying hard to fill. “I had a few idols when I was younger, especially all the Swedish guys,” Soderling remembers. “There were so many when I grew up. There was always someone to watch and always someone who played well. They inspired me a lot.”
Soderling was born and grew up in the small town of Tibro, which lies between Sweden’s two big lakes Vattern and Vanern, in the south of the country. His father Bo is a lawyer, his mother Britt-Inge a housewife, and his older sister Sandra a teacher. Soderling first took up tennis at the age of five. He remembers cycling to and from his local tennis courts, even during the harsh winters.
His childhood friend, the current Swedish doubles specialist Johan Brunstrom, recalls how, even as a youngster, Soderling used to fight really hard on the court. “In his age group there were three or four guys who were fighting big time against each other every time they played,” he says. “Robin came out on top of these battles most of the time. I think that created a big confidence from an early stage which helped a lot throughout juniors and on to the pro tour.”
Another Swedish player who remembers how strong Soderling was as a youngster is former Top 10 player, Joachim Johansson. “He was very competitive and took his own way,” he says. “Robin does not fear anyone. This is a strength that he has had all his life. Even when he was 10 and 12 years old, he always had the feeling that he could be No. 1.”
But Soderling has had to work very hard to harness his power game. His coach, former World No. 2 Magnus Norman, reveals how together they have improved Soderling’s mental game.“In the past he was throwing away matches that he should have won,” he says. “He was affected by the wind, spectators, by things that he could not control. What I was trying to do when I took over was to change his mentality, make it a strength.
“But in the beginning we had a rough time together. We were talking a lot, spending a lot of time together. I am sure he was sick of hearing my voice. But Soderling is very eager to learn new things, and he is an analyst. Sometimes he comes back to me and says: ‘I don’t really agree with you. Tell me why you think that?’ Then we discuss it more and more until we both agree on a plan.”
Soderling hasn’t always been the most popular player on the circuit. He once even admitted he didn’t join the ATP World Tour to make new friends. His coach is well aware that sometimes his protégé’s character can appear as hard as his groundstrokes. “Robin has a very strong personality,” he says. “You have to develop a feeling when to approach him. But he is more open now than in the past. Expectations have changed a lot. Very interesting to see how he handles the pressure.”
And there will certainly be a huge amount of pressure here at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Last year, on his debut at the season finale, he narrowly lost in the semi-finals to Juan Martin del Potro, in a third set tie-break.
“Hopefully I can take that experience and do even better this time,” Soderling says positively. “There are only eight players, and you play against the world’s best, so every match you play could be like a Grand Slam final. I will have to be ready from the first match.”
BARCLAYS ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS
Soderling Comfortable With Life As A Top Player
London, England
Robin Soderling has a 56-20 match record on the season.
Robin Soderling, the leading indoor specialist in the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals field, who achieved a career-high No. 4 in the South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings after his BNP Paribas Masters, insists "a ranking is just a number, but it won’t change anything."
The Swede comes into the London season finale with a 20-4 indoor record over the past 12 months – seven victories more than the nearest of his fellow qualifiers, David Ferrer (13-3). He has a 56-20 match record on the season, highlighted by a second successive runner-up finish at Roland Garros.
“I feel like I’m improving and I like being a top player," said Soderling at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall on Friday. "It is what I have worked hard for. This is where I want to be. It always adds more pressure. I play many more matches now where I am a favourite. I think I have handled it well over the past couple of years.
“I’ve always liked to play indoors. Growing up in Sweden, I’ve grown up on the surface so I go into every tournament with confidence. I feel good. I think I have had a good season and been very solid and played well throughout the whole year. The past week, winning my first [ATP World Tour] Masters 1000 title was great and I did it on a pretty similar surface to the one here in London.”
Soderling, who has recovered from a stomach bug, will meet British favourite Andy Murray in the first round robin match on Sunday. The pair has met on four occasions.
“I think every match has been even against Andy, they’ve always been tough matches. Even though three of them were a few years ago, they were close. It will be tough, but it will be close. I’ll have to play well to win. It not, it will be extremely difficult.
“He moves extremely well, returns well and doesn’t give you anything. He is an extremely tough player to play against and you always have to play well to beat him.”
Soderling’s Art of Tennis self-portrait was sold at auction for $5,100 on Thursday night. He admitted, “It was really nice to create it and it was for a good cause. It makes me happy that someone wants to buy it and help Children in Need.”
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/5272 … nus-norman
Nie jest to potwierdzona inforamcja, ale ponoć Soderling rozstał się ze swoim trenerem - Magnusem Normanem.
Szwed Robin Soederling, piąty obecnie w rankingu ATP World Tour, rozstał się ze swoim trenerem i byłym drugim tenisistą świata - Magnusem Normanem. Współpraca trwała ponad dwa sezony, a Soederling awansował do TOP10 z 35. pozycji - informuje PAP.
Dwukrotnie też dochodził do finału w wielkoszlemowym turnieju na kortach ziemnych im. Rolanda Garrosa w Paryżu. W październiku w stolicy Francji triumfował w imprezie rangi ATP Masters 100 w hali Bercy.
Obaj panowie poinformowali w piątek szwedzką prasę, że Norman od przyszłego roku ma trochę inne plany zawodowe, natomiast Soederling potrzebuje trenera, który będzie mu towarzyszył przez cały sezon.
http://www.eurosport.pl/tenis/soderling … news.shtml
Ta współpraca naprawdę im się układała... robili razem świetne wyniki. Wg mnie prawdopodobne jest to że teraz Soda duuuużo osłabnie, no chyba że znajdzie kogoś kto znowu dotrze do niego, co nie jest takie proste.
Niezły szoker. Przeciez pasowali oni do siebie jak nie powiem co do czego :D Ciekawy jestem czy odejscie Normana odbije sie na grze Soderlinga.
Pistolesi trenerem Söderlinga
Od ponad trzech lat, od wypadnięcia Ivana Ljubičicia z Top 10 rankingu ATP, w ścisłej światowej czołówce męskiego tenisa nie było włoskich akcentów trenerskich. Teraz Claudio Pistolesi został szkoleniowcem Robina Söderlinga, piątej rakiety świata.
Po rozstaniu z rodakiem Magnusem Normanem Söderling niedługo trzymał w niepewności co do osoby nowego coacha. Najlepszy szwedzki tenisista, który podobno nie doszedł do porozumienia z Fredem Rosengrenem i Peterem Lundgrenem (były trener Federera, a obecnie Wawrinki), związał się z Pistolesim na próbne trzy miesiące (do turnieju w Marsylii).
13 grudnia Söderling i Pistolesi rozpoczną w Monte Carlo przygotowania do nowego sezonu. Informację o współpracy (rozmawiali podczas ostatnich turniejów sezonu: w Bercy i Londynie) potwierdził 43-letni Włoch, który ostatnio pracował z Michaelem Berrerem, mistrzem challengera wrocławskiego, a wcześniej był znany przede wszystkim jako mentor tenisistek: Moniki Seles, Ai Sugiyamy i Anny Smashnovej.
SODERLING BACK TO WORK AT ATP WORLD TOUR TRAINING CAMP
Robin Soderling gets into the holiday spirit at the
ATP World Tour training camp in Monte-Carlo with
Jean-Rene Lisnard, Andreas Seppi, Francis Truchi.
World No. 5 Robin Soderling is beginning his 2011 preparations this week at an ATP World Tour training camp in Monte-Carlo after an extended vacation in the Maldives.
"I am actually trying to work on my weaknesses as much as possible, trying to play more aggressive and come to the net a bit more," said Soderling, who is joined at the training camp by fellow pros Ivan Ljubicic, Andreas Seppi, Simone Bolelli, Fabio Fognini, George Bastl, Benjamin Balleret and Jean-Rene Lisnard.
"So far I only practised a couple of days but it’s been really a lot of fun and I am happy to be back on the court again after two weeks vacation."
In addition to two practice sessions a day under the direction of new coach Claudio Pistolesi, Soderling has been working with fitness coach Ali Ghelem off the court, with his workout schedule encompassing dynamic exercises, coordination drills, sprints, interval training, weight lifting and light endurance.
"I work a lot on agility and coordination to be faster on the court and also on injury prevention," said the 26-year-old Swede.
Soderling parted ways with Magnus Norman following the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, and said about working with Pistolesi, "We only work 3-4 days together with Claudio. He used to be a good player, has been around for many years and he’s already taught me many new things so I am really looking forward to working with him."
Despite his busy training regimen, Soderling took time out Wednesday afternoon to attend the Monte-Carlo Country Club kids' Christmas party, posing for photos with Santa and signing autographs for the children.
2010 w liczbach
Ranking: 5
Turnieje: 2 (Paryż-Bercy, Rotterdam)
Finały: 3 (Bastad, Roland Garros, Barcelona)
Mecze: 57-22
Zarobki: $3,731,527
The Last Word: ATP No. 5, Robin Soderling
With his high ball toss and huge shots,
Soderling reached a career-high ranking in 2010.
Best of 2010
Peaking in Paris has become a standard Soderling practice. Unleashing the wide, whipping swings of a man winding up a windmill, Soderling defeated Roger Federer in a drizzly quarterfinal at Roland Garros, snapping the world No. 1's record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinal appearances. It was the second straight year Soderling beat a world No. 1 there—he upset Rafael Nadal there in 2009. In November, the Swede saved three match points to beat Frenchman Michael Llodra in the Paris Masters semis, then punished hometown favorite Gael Monfils in the final to collect his first career Masters title.
Worst of 2010
In his latest blunder Down Under, Soderling squandered a two-set lead in a first-round loss to 117th-ranked Marcel Granollers, who entered the match with one career Australian Open win. It was Soderling’s third opening-round exit in five Australian Open appearances.
Year in Review
A career year saw Soderling crack the Top 4, register a 57-22 record, win two titles and play quality tennis consistently. He advanced to the quarterfinals (at least) in 16 of the 22 tournaments he contested. Solidifying his status as an all-court threat, Soderling won his titles indoors (Rotterdam and Paris) and lost three clay-court finals (French Open, Barcelona and Bastad). Despite his opening-round exit in Melbourne, he posted a 14-4 record in Grand Slam play, with three of those losses coming against Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer.
Soderling’s game is both lethal and limited. When he’s on, his power is rivaled only by a healthy Juan Martin del Potro. But when his fast, flat shots fail to land, Soderling lacks the variety to change speeds and spins to create alternative options. At his worst, Soderling can look as subtle as a man wielding a battering ram to open a bag of potato chips.
See for Yourself
Reaching up for his extremely high tosses, Soderling smacked serves at 140 mph and frequently won forehand-to-forehand exchanges with Federer in his French Open upset:
The Last Word
The lanky 26-year-old suffered a major loss this offseason as long-time coach Magnus Norman stepped down. Under Norman’s guidance, Soderling became a fitter player and smarter on court, particularly during rallies. The coach’s impact was evident at the Slams: Before working with Norman, Soderling suffered 16 first- or second-round losses in 20 major appearances. In the eight majors with Norman, Soderling reached two finals and three quarterfinals. Soderling has since hired Claudio Pistolesi as his new coach. Refining the rough edges of his game, improving his approach and volley—and retaining what he learned from Norman—are key for Soderling if he wants to break through and win a major.
—Richard Pagliaro
Soderling Confident He Can Break Nadal-Federer Slam Dominance
Robin Soderling has added more aggression
to his game during the off-season.
World No. 5 Robin Soderling, who will open his 2011 ATP World Tour season as the top seed at the Brisbane International this week, told media on Monday that he believes he is one of the players who can break the Grand Slam domination of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
“I never felt that the gap was very big [between Nadal, Federer and the rest],” said Soderling, who defeated Nadal and Federer en route to the 2009 and 2010 Roland Garros finals respectively. “There are a lot of very good players and I think there are 10 or even 15 guys who can win the big tournaments like the Grand Slams. Of course, Roger and Rafa will always be the favourites in every tournament they play in, but I think there are a lot of players who have a chance to beat them.”
The 26-year-old Soderling, who is working with Claudio Pistolesi this season, explained that his main goal in 2011 is to perform well in the Grand Slams and Masters 1000 tournaments, and in a bid to do so he has worked hard in the off-season to add even more aggression to his game.
“I still feel I can improve and become a better player,” said the big-hitting Swede. “If I can do that then I’m pretty sure I have a good chance to do well this year. [During the off season] I tried to do a few things. I tried to work on playing a little bit more aggressively, coming into the net a little bit more.”
Soderling, who reached the quarter-finals (l. to Stepanek) on his debut in Brisbane two years ago, will face American qualifier Ryan Harrison in the first round of the ATP World Tour 250 tournament on Tuesday evening.
The Tibro native finished 2010 strongly, winning his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament in Paris (d. Monfils) and featuring at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He will hope he can carry his good form into the Australian Open, where he has failed to advance further than the second round in five attempts.
#7) Brisbane 2011
R1 Ryan Harrison [Q] 62 64
R2 Mchael Berrer 63 76
QF Matthew Ebden [Q] 63 62
SF Radek Stepanek 63 75
F Andy Roddick [2] 63 75
Świetne wyniki, to jego najlepszy początek sezonu w karierze. ;-)
jaccol55 napisał:
Świetne wyniki, to jego najlepszy początek sezonu w karierze. ;-)
W ogóle jeden z lepszych okresów w karierze. W listopadzie pierwszy tytuł masters-1000, później narpawdę dobra gra w Londynie, teraz to. Brawo ;)
AO 2011 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 1 rundzie
Q. A good start?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, of course. Winning in straight sets, it's a very good start. I struggled a little bit in the first set. But I think after that I played better and better. At the end, I played pretty good I think.
Q. Of the Grand Slams, the Australian Open hasn't been kind to you. You haven't got past the second round. Do you think you can do better this year?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I hope so. But I have to take one match at a time.
As you said, I haven't had much success here in the past. That's why, you know, it's even more important to really focus on the next match all the time. Now I got past the first round and I have a difficult match coming up and I have to play well.
If I win this one, I have to take the next match.
Q. Any particular reason why you haven't played well here?
ROBIN SODERLING: Uhm, no. I don't know. It's a surface that I think should suit my game pretty well. I played a couple of good matches. But, as I said, I never had the results.
I don't know why, but hopefully it will change this year.
Q. Is it much different this year under your new coach?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, well, we've been working not for long, but we've been working really good since December. And, of course, in my game there's not going to be any big changes. But we're still working on a lot of details. There's still things I can improve in my game.
I think, you know, already in this couple of weeks I improved. I think I played this year so far really well. Hopefully we can continue to work on it and I'll become a better player.
Q. How do you approach a Grand Slam compared to another tournament knowing it could last for two weeks, have five set matches?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I think it's different. I think I had some problems with the Grand Slam tournaments in the beginning of my career. As you said, you know, it's over two weeks, and you always have one match, then you have the next day rest. So it's tough to stay focused for two full weeks. Every day, you know, you have to be able to relax between matches.
I think that's what I learned the last couple of years. I think that's why I had more success in these tournaments.
Q. You deal better with the days off in between?
ROBIN SODERLING: I think so, yeah. Because the days off, it's really a matter of trying to relax and rest, you know, because you spend in five set matches a lot of energy, even if you win in straight sets. You really have to recover between the matches. I do it really good right now.
Q. With your improvement in the last two years, do you bring any different mindset to a tournament like this? Do you come here not fearing anyone?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I'm not fearing anyone, but at the same time I fear all. I know that when I play well, I can beat everyone. But the same time, I really have to play well because last year it really showed. I didn't play well at all and I lost first round.
So I think it's a matter for every player, even the best players, that they really have to stay focused every match. For me that's the most important thing.
AO 2011 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 2 rundzie
Q. What were some of the positives you could take out of the match tonight?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, it was a different match, you know. He played real aggressive and served well. Always against him the margins are very small.
But I think I stayed focused the whole match, was moving pretty well. It was a pretty good match. I didn't spend too much energy. I won in three straight sets.
I'm feeling good.
Q. With five matches to go before a possible final, what is your strategy? Do you have a strategy worked out or do you take it one match at a time?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, of course you have to focus on one match at a time. But now after the matches, it's good that I didn't spend five hours on the court. Instead, you know, I played two matches and both went to three sets, straight set matches.
I played very good, so I'm not feeling tired at all, which is very good now coming into the third round.
Q. This is unchartered territory for you at Melbourne Park. Why have your past campaigns been derailed so quickly?
ROBIN SODERLING: I don't know. I got this question I don't know how many times. I don't know. That's my answer (smiling).
I really feel that I can play well on every surface. So here the conditions and the surface in Melbourne should suit my game very well. And I think, you know, I missed the tournament here a couple of times, and then I played some pretty good matches, but the result hasn't been good.
But hopefully, you know, now I feel like I'm playing really well and I have a lot of experience from doing well in other Grand Slams. So hopefully, you know, this year it will change.
Q. Do you feel like your preparations this year were a little bit more involved? Do you feel this has helped your run into the tournament here?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I think, first of all, I had a great off season. Even though it was short, I've been practicing well and been really focused to do well here in Australia. That's a little bit what's missing so far for me.
Of course, I had a great start. I played really well in Brisbane. I decided to go early to Australia this time instead of going to Chennai or Doha. I played well and had a good week here of practice. I'm feeling really good.
Q. Why did you decide to go to Brisbane?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I tried everything. You know, I did different things every year. But this year I really felt like I wanted to give it a really good chance to do well here and I wanted to come here early and have at least two weeks before the tournament, you know, to give myself time to really find my form and play well.
But I think I played really well from the first day I arrived in Brisbane from the first match and then the whole tournament. So I have a lot of confidence. I really showed that I can play well down here.
Q. Do you know much about your next opponent?
ROBIN SODERLING: I don't think we ever played before. I might be wrong. My memory's not so good. But he's a great player. We practiced a couple times. He's playing really fast and close to the baseline. He's been on the tour for quite some time, so he's very experienced.
It's going to be a tough match.
Q. You obviously overtook Andy Murray's No. 4 ranking coming into this tournament. Is that a mere statistic or does that give you a bit of an edge or a confidence boost?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, of course, it's always nice to be No. 4 in the world. It's something that many players will never achieve in their careers.
But I'm trying to not be too focused on the rankings. I try to be focused on my game, trying to, uhm, practice hard and trying to improve. I think if I can do that, then I think I have a good chance to do really well and climb up the rankings. But it's also a matter of how the other guy's playing. I can still play well, but a few guys playing even better. I have to stay focused on myself first.
Q. How do you feel the surface and conditions here might suit your game or not suit your game?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, as I said, I think I can do well on any kinds of surface: slow, fast, indoors, outdoors. The things with Melbourne, the thing I struggle with a little bit before is that the conditions are changing a lot here. One day it's 30 degrees, the next day it's 20 and windy, sunny, cloudy. So that's tough. But I think it's tough for everybody.
Again, you really need to stay focused and really think about your own game instead of what's happening outside.
Q. What do you invest your prize money, like property or shares?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I try to do a little bit different things. I'm not the one who's doing my finances. I have some properties. I have some stocks, some different things. It's just a matter of saving it for maybe using it after your career.
AO 2011 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 3 rundzie
Q. Your ninth in a row, yet to drop a set here. How do you assess your performance so far? Are you just cruising along very confident?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I played three matches here, and, of course, as you said, I haven't lost a set yet.
I'm playing pretty good. But there's still a couple of things I need to improve, I think. I know I can play much better. But overall it's been pretty good.
Q. Do you need a four or five set match to test yourself?
ROBIN SODERLING: No. I don't think. I played many matches this year already, so I'm pretty happy I won three matches in straight sets.
Q. Does that weigh in your favor, that you haven't gone outside three sets in that first week?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. I think, you know, physically I feel very good. I haven't spent too many hours on court yet and I'm already in the fourth round, which is very good.
So I think for me it's a little bit of an advantage, yeah.
Q. There's been a lot of attention on Roger and Rafa in the past couple weeks. Do you feel you're sliding under the radar in terms of media attention and that sort of thing?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, yeah, I think there's always going to be a lot of attention on Roger and Rafa, of course. You know, they're No. 1 and 2 in the world. I think in every tournament they play, they will be the favorites.
But I think there's many guys who can actually compete against them and have a chance to win the tournaments like this when they're playing well.
Q. Do you feel like you're ready to compete against those guys in the final of a Grand Slam and perhaps to go that step further?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. I already played two Grand Slam finals and I beat them both in Grand Slams. But, again, of course they will always be the favorites, and we are the guys who need to play really well if we're going to have a chance to beat them.
Every match, you know, I will always have a chance.
Q. Do you ever hear from Borg at all, best wishes? You've play better here than he ever did.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, sometimes. We meet sometimes, and sometimes he calls me, sends me texts. It's nice.
Q. You may play against Tsonga. You never lost a set against him.
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, we played many times. Even though I haven't lost a set, we had tough matches. He's a great player. I always played very well against him. Hopefully, you know, if I play him now, I will play well again.
But you never know, he's a tough player, and he obviously likes it down there in Australia, being a finalist a couple years ago.
Q. But you play well against him because you like his game?
ROBIN SODERLING: I'm not sure. You know, I always play well, as I said, against him. But he's a tough player. I don't think anybody can say they like his game because he's very good and it's always tough against him.
But I've been lucky to play good against him.
Q. Now you work a little more with your new coach, can you tell us a little bit about the relationship you have?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. You know, so far it worked very well. We haven't lost a match yet together, which is not many players can say that (laughter).
But still it's very fresh. We had a couple of good weeks at the off season. But of course it's very different, you know, working together when you have the time at home, really practicing, than when you're at a tournament.
But we worked on a couple details in my game which I feel I already improved. But hopefully, you know, the time goes on and we have more time to work on it. Hopefully it will keep improving.
Q. What kind of details?
ROBIN SODERLING: I'm trying to play a little bit more aggressive, come to the net a little bit more. Of course, my net game, we worked on a lot, how to move at the net. Also my serve, I'm trying to mix it up a little bit more than before.
And, again, you know, it's working fine so far.
Q. When Europe is freezing and you come to Australia which is very hot, how do you adapt?
ROBIN SODERLING: It's nice to get some tan (laughter).
No, I always like to come down here during the winter when it's cold back home in Europe. But it's not very difficult. You know, we travel a lot. We play on different places all the time.
This year I choose to come here pretty early. I played in Brisbane and I had a week of practice in Melbourne just to get prepared. And I think, you know, it worked well.
Q. Roger and Rafa are the players who play always on the Rod Laver Arena. Sometimes you go other places. What do you prefer, to go on the center court or to play near to the crowd?
ROBIN SODERLING: You know, it's very different. There's always courts you like better and there's courts you don't like as much. But sometimes it can be the center court, sometimes it can be an outside court. It's very different.
But I try not to think about it too much. Just focus on my game. Here all the courts are very similar, so it's not a big difference.
AO 2011 - wywiad po porażce w 4 rundzie
Q. You had your right foot taped at 4 1 in the fourth set. Did that hinder you right throughout the game? What's the extent of the injury?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I had a blister on my toe, but it's nothing serious. You know, of course it hurts a little bit, but it's nothing bad.
Q. It didn't hinder you at all?
ROBIN SODERLING: Maybe for one game. But then I got it retaped and fixed, and then it was fine.
Q. You won the first set. Seemed to struggle in the rest of the sets. What was the story there?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, yeah, I think I struggled throughout the whole match. I won the first set, yeah, but I didn't win it because I played well.
You know, he wasn't on it at the start. Then he started to play much better, which I didn't. Then, you know, he played much better.
Q. What did you think of him as a player? What are some of his qualities?
ROBIN SODERLING: He's a good player. You know, he has a great backhand and he's moving very well. He's a great counter puncher. He has a good chance to do really well, I think.
Q. Did you underestimate him today?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, no, I didn't. I never underestimate anyone. I just didn't feel good. I didn't play good enough. Simple as that.
Q. What was the problem to your foot? I think in the second set I saw something. Also on your serve, there were some first serves 136 kilometers per hour, which is not your usual speed.
ROBIN SODERLING: I had some problems for a couple games with the sun. It was tough to see. I tried to put it in a little bit safer.
But, yes, of course, 130 kilometers per hour in the first serve is not great. It's not something I'm proud of. That's how it is.
I struggled many times in this tournament. And I think, you know, I never had a good first month in my career. But still, you know, I won a title and made it to the fourth round here.
At least it's much better than the past years.
Q. You're not going to fire Pistolesi as your new coach?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, definitely not. He's a great coach. As I said, we had the best start ever, so I'm sure it's going to be good.
Q. Can you tell me what Pistolesi has brought to your game, some new things?
ROBIN SODERLING: I mean, it's still very new. We haven't worked for so long. We actually only worked for two or three weeks when I'm not playing tournaments, which is really the time you can really work on things. During tournaments it's different.
But, you know, he's a great coach. He's got a lot of experience. We worked on a couple of details in my game, which I think is improving.
Q. Like what?
ROBIN SODERLING: Like my net game. You know, I'm trying to come to the net a little bit more. We try to work on how to move at the net, which I still have a lot to learn.
But it's not going to be perfect in a couple of weeks. It will take some time. But I think we're both very confident that I'm going to improve.
Q. Can you put your finger on why the Australian Open has been a bit of a bogey tournament for you?
ROBIN SODERLING: No. I wish.
Q. Is it the weather or heat?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, today was not very hot. The weather's always different. You know, it's never two days in a row where you have the same conditions, which is very tough. But, of course, it's the same for every player.
You know, I thought it was tough for me in Australia. But, you know, I played really well in Brisbane. I played some very good tennis.
But this tournament, you know, I've been struggling a lot this year, too. You know, I fight through three matches, which I'm very proud of, but I never felt that I played really well, which you need to, especially in a Grand Slam.
Q. Rafa talked the other day that he wasn't playing well but managed to pull it out. Do you feel even though you weren't playing well, you should have pulled it out?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I had some chances. As I said, I did it for three matches. I couldn't do it for the fourth one. Yeah, I had some chances. But, you know, my two biggest weapons is my serve and my forehand. They were not weapons today. Then it's tough. I was really fighting.
As you said, I was up a break. Maybe with a little bit of luck, I could have won. But he played better than me.
Q. Did you have a tough time with his slice?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, he's a good player. But mostly I had tough times with myself.
Q. Where are you going next?
ROBIN SODERLING: I will play in Rotterdam next.
Q. Then?
ROBIN SODERLING: Then probably Marseille. So two indoor tournaments in Europe.
Q. If you were to point to the main strength or skill of Dolgopolov, what would you point to? What is the main skill of this guy for you?
ROBIN SODERLING: He's a great player. He has a really good backhand and he's moving well. He's defending very well. He's a great counter puncher.
Q. How much do victories over Nadal and Federer in previous years has built up a great player and you believe in yourself that you're gonna be a top player?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I think all my victories in the past years give me a lot of confidence. I really show to myself that I can do well, I can win a lot of matches, and really compete, yeah, for the Grand Slam tournaments, all the big tournaments.
I think, you know, confidence is maybe the most important thing in this sport.
Q. You're so different, at least you seem so different, to Pistolesi. He is always telling jokes. I don't know if he does it with you. But I know him since he was 18 years old. Do you like the company also or you don't see away from tennis?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, we spend a lot of time together. He's a great guy.
I think you're wrong. I think we're very similar. It's just that I don't tell you guys jokes (smiling).
Q. Well, start.
ROBIN SODERLING: No (smiling).
#8 ) Rotterdam 2011
R32 Robin Haase 6-3 6-2
R16 Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3 5-7 7-6(7)
Q Mikhail Youzhny 6-4 7-6(5)
S Viktor Troicki 7-5 6-4
W Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3 3-6 6-3
Tydzień później... :P
#9 Marsylia 2011
R32 Bye
R16 - Nicolas Mahut (FRA) 7-6(8) 7-6(5)
Q - Michael Llodra (FRA) 6-1 6-4
S - Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) 7-5 6-1
W - Marin Cilic (CRO) 6-7(8) 6-3 6-3
Soderling Claims Third Title Of Season
Robin Soderling has a 17-1
record in 2011.
World No. 4 Robin Soderling is proving nigh on unstoppable at the start of the 2011 ATP World Tour season as he clinched his third title in four tournaments with a 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-3 victory over Marin Cilic in the final of the Open 13 in Marseille.
The Swede has opened the season with a 17-1 match record, also winning titles at the Brisbane International (d. Roddick) in the first week of the season and at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam (d. Tsonga) last week. His only defeat came at the hands of Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in five sets in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
“It’s of course a very nice feeling," said Soderling. "Winning three tournaments in four tries is something I’ve never been close to before. It’s the best possible start. I’ve won many matches and only lost one, unfortunately in the fourth round in Melbourne. It’s a great start and I really hope it can continue this way."
It is the first time in his career that the 26-year-old Soderling has won three ATP World Tour titles in a season. As winner of the ATP World Tour 250 indoor hard-court tennis tournament, he added a further 250 South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking points to his tally and received €93,450 in prize money.
Top seed Soderling had not dropped a set in three matches to reach the final, but found himself up against it when Cilic broke serve in the first game. While Soderling was able to fight back and level at 4-4, Cilic had the edge in the ensuing tie-break and took a one-set lead.
Soderling struck back in the second set with an early break of serve and despite relinquishing his lead midway through the set, reeled off three straight games from 3-3 to level the match. He then converted one of his three break points in the third set to clinch victory in just over two hours.
“It was tough," admitted Soderling. "I was a little bit unlucky that he broke me in the first game and then he played really well. I wasn’t aggressive enough and really let him dictate the rallies in the first set. I told myself I needed to be on top of things a little bit more and be more aggressive and it really worked; the second set was really good for me. I’m really proud the way I turned things around.”
It marked Soderling’s ninth ATP World Tour title from 19 tour-level finals. The Tibro native had finished runner-up in Marseille (l. to Hrbaty) on his debut in 2004.
World No. 28 Cilic was contesting his ninth ATP World Tour final (5-4 record) and his first since finishing runner-up in Munich (l. to Youzhny) last May. The Croatian returned to top form this week in Marseille, having won back-to-back matches only three times in the past six months.
“For a set and a half I was playing really well and in a high level; I was able to stay with him physically and dictating the game," reflected Cilic. "I was extremely happy with the performance I played. In the seventh game of the second set, when I lost serve, that changed the momentum a bit. He got a step in front of me and I was all the time behind, looking to make changes to get back in the game. He was really playing good in the second part of the match.
“I’m really pleased with this week and also the past two or three weeks, starting with the Australian Open. That shows me I’m a little bit more in the game and playing better. It’s, of course, a little bit of a relief to come to the final after almost a year. I think I played well all week. There is no reason why I should stop here.”
Soderling still short of fitness after Barcelona exit
Robin Soderling is still searching for form after injury following his opening-match exit at the Barcelona Open.
The Swedish third seed was upset by Croatian Ivan Dodig and now heads to more clay at next week's Estoril Open.
The pace has slowed considerably for the two-time Roland Garros finalist, who won three titles from four ATP events - Brisbane, Rotterdam and Marseille - to start the season. But fitness issues arose and his level fell with early defeats at the hardcourt Masters pair at Indian Wells and Miami.
"I've been sick four times since December, my fevers and colds that come and gone," Soderling told Swedish media. The No. 5 skipped Monte Carlo and came to Barcelona early with Italian coach Claudio Pistolesi. But his work went in vain in the loss to Dodig a year after reaching the final against Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.
Besides his influenza, Soderling also felt a return of Achilles tendon problems that had bothered him early in his career. "Some days it feels great and other days I can't give 100 percent."
The Barcelona loss widens the rankings gap between number four Andy Murray, who withdrew injured from this week's Spanish tournament after hurting his elbow in Monte Carlo. But Soderling said he's not concerned. "Tennis is not about being the best today but being consistent over a full year."
Soderling rozstał się ze swoim trenerem, po 5 miesiącach współpracy. Trochę dziwna decyzja. Soda ostatnio trochę cieniował, ale od stycznia zdążył wygrać 3 turnieje ATP, czyli 1/3 tego, co miał na koncie przed rozpoczęciem współpracy z Pistolesim.
Soderling splits with coach of five months
Robin Soderling has parted ways with his coach Claudio Pistolesi, just five months after joining forces with the Italian.
Soderling, who was coached by Magnus Norman until December last year, enjoyed a blistering start to the year by winning three of his first four tournaments in Brisbane, Rotterdam and Marseille.
His only ATP loss in the first two months of the season was at the hands of Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
But since then the Swedish world number five has been struggling and last week's straight sets loss to Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarter-finals at Estoril appears to have been the final straw.
"It's true, they will end their co-operation," Soderling's agent Nina Wennerstrom said. "He's an amazingly good coach and Robin respects him a lot.
"There have been many things in their work that has been working very well but there have also been some parts that they have had different points of view.
"They have decided to end this together but they've done it as friends. Robin is proud of what he has achieved but knows that he can get even better. After all, he's just 26.
"We'll be looking at some options and we will make a decision quite soon. It's an intense time of the year with the French Open and lots of other tournaments. We'd like to find a replacement as soon as possible."
Soderling has reached the final of the French Open in each of the past two years, losing to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal respectively. The Swede also boasts the record of being the first, and so far only, man to beat Nadal at Roland Garros, which he did in 2009.
Pippa Davis / Eurosport
THE LAST TIME... WITH ROBIN SODERLINGDEUCE
Robin Soderling admits being famous earns him some perks back in Sweden.
World No. 5 and two-time Roland Garros finalist Robin Soderling reveals the last time...
I cooked for myself or others?
The last time I ever cooked... err.... I never cook! When I am home my girlfriend cooks for me or we go to a restaurant. I have never cooked for my parents. No. I might have boiled an egg for breakfast once. I can cook pasta, but not much.
I flew economy class?
I flew here to Estoril. Every time I fly short routes around Europe I go economy. Only the longer flights I book a business class ticket.
I met a childhood idol?
[After much consideration]... I met Mats Sundin, the ice hockey player, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs. I met him only a couple of weeks ago in Stockholm.
I shared a hotel room with another player?
It must have been a long time ago. Probably at a Futures tournament.
I paid money to hire a court or buy tennis balls?
Last year in Barcelona, I came a week before the tournament and we couldn’t get the balls we wanted. We went to a sports stores, a Decathlon, to buy 20 cans of balls. After I paid, the guy asked me for my autograph. Hiring a court... it must have been a long time ago. I can't remember.
I played a practical joke in the locker room?
We do it a little bit in Davis Cup, but not on the tour. Every time I go to the tennis and I am in the locker room, I like to focus on my game so I don’t do it too much.
I forgot a family member’s birthday?
Yeah, for sure I have. Whenever it is my Mum’s birthday, my Dad always reminds me and my Mum reminds me of my sister’s birthday. Without them I would probably forget them all.
Being famous helped me?
It helps a lot at restaurants in Sweden. The popular restaurants are always full. So being recognised does help me get a table, which is very nice.
I strung a tennis racquet?
It must have been 10 years ago. I remember I was really slow. I can string, but it takes me one hour, an hour and a half. It takes me a while. My string tension hasn’t changed much since I was a junior. Maybe a little bit looser, one kilo.
I lost something important?
I lost my computer on a plane a year ago. It was really tough. I had so many important things on it and I had no back-up. So that was brutal.
I last asked someone for their autograph?
I remember I collected a lot of autographs of tennis players as a kid. But recently it was Henrik Larsson, the Swedish footballer. I asked him for an autograph for my sister’s son.
I played another sport that might have caused me a minor injury?
No, I try not to play other sports. Sometimes I play ice hockey in Sweden in the winter, but not too much. In Davis Cup we play football and you’re always close to injury there!
I was asked if I was a tennis player?
It must have been when I was last in the United States. When you stand in an elevator and you see the person wants to strike up a conversation. ‘Hey, you play tennis?’ It normally happens when I am carrying six tennis racquets.
I missed a flight?
I am always pretty late, but I am careful. It was a long time ago. Probably Munich several years ago. After I had had surgery they changed gates and I couldn’t walk to the gate fast enough. I was on crutches hobbling along. I must have missed it by five minutes!
I had a bad hotel experience?
I’ve always stayed at pretty good hotels. I am not that picky. If there is a good bed I like it. I have never really had a bad experience. Maybe in juniors we went to somewhere in eastern Europe and the hotels weren’t great.
I played on a bad court surface?
It was probably really bad whenever you play on clay courts in Sweden. Apart from Bastad, which has great courts. We only play two or three months outdoors, so the courts do get pretty uneven.
RG 2011 - konferencja po zwycięstwie w 1 rundzie.
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/multi … 000de.html
RG 2011 - konferencja po zwycięstwie w 2 rundzie.
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/multi … 0011e.html
RG 2011 - konferencja po zwycięstwie w 3 rundzie.
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/multi … 001a9.html
RG 2011 - konferencja po zwycięstwie w 4 rundzie.
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/multi … 001f6.html
RG 2011 - konferencja po porażce w ćwierćfinale.
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/multi … 00247.html
Wimbledon 2011 - wywiad po zwycięstwie w 2 rundzie
R. Soderling bt. L. Hewitt 6 7, 3 6, 7 5, 6 4, 6 4
Q. How were you feeling at two sets to love down, knowing you had to go into completely new territory if you're going to win the match?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I felt great. I knew I was going to win (laughter).
No, no. Well, of course it's tough. I never came back from two sets to love down before in my career. I think I was a little bit unlucky to not win the first set. I had some chances. And then he played really well in the second.
But, you know, you just have to start over, like trying to take one point at a time and see it as a new match, you know, there's still a chance to win.
I didn't want to go off the court feeling that I didn't give a hundred percent, you know. Win or lose, doesn't matter.
Q. How worried were you in the third set?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, well, of course, you know, two sets to love down, it's normal to be a little bit worried. But again, you know, I try not to think about the scoreline. Instead, I try to keep looking forward.
I know I was playing pretty well. I served well. And if I could just, you know, start to move a little bit better, start to return a little bit better than the first two sets, I knew I had a good chance.
Q. Did he surprise you how well he played?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. Well, I think so. We played a few times. We played two times in the last one or two years. And this is I think the best he played against me before. And then if he's satisfied or not today, you have to ask him.
From times to time, you know, I think it was some pretty good tennis.
Q. When he's in that kind of form, can he still do damage at the majors?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, I think so. If he's healthy, he have good chance to beat anyone, especially on this surface. This is the first time I played him on grass, and it was different. I think his game really suits this kind of courts.
Q. How important was it to serve first on the last three sets?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, well, I always like to serve first. If I can, I always choose serve. You know, I was able to break him at the last game of every set. So it's always nicer to serve first, I think.
Q. People talk about the top four in the men's game. Do you feel with how good you have played and can play that they should maybe consider a top five as the dominant gang?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I'm No. 5 in the rankings. I like to think that the ranking never lie. It shows what you did in a year.
And, of course, they all played better than me. But every match is different. When I play the top guys, I always try to be positive, and I really try to believe that I have a chance to win. And I have beaten them all before. So there's always a chance in any match for everyone.
Q. Obviously your ambition is to break into that four, three, two, as high as you can go?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, this is mostly why I play tennis. I want to improve. I want to become better. I think when you don't want that anymore, then you lose a big thing on this game.
Q. It's tough, isn't it?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah, it's very tough. But I got to a position where I'm No. 5 in the world. It should be tough.
Q. How did you find it playing under the roof?
ROBIN SODERLING: It was nice, I think. And when they put the roof on, it's not as slippery as without. From what I heard, there was a little rain, so I'm happy we played with the roof on today.
Wimbledon 2011 - wywiad po porażce w 3 rundzie
R. Soderling def by B. Tomic 1-6, 4-6, 5-7
Q. What went wrong for you out there today?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I don't know where to start.
Well, a lot of things went wrong obviously. It wasn't a great match. I didn't feel good on court at all. And, you know, I wasn't moving well. I was misjudging a lot of balls and I didn't have the right timing.
It was just not my day today.
Q. Can you tell us what was wrong with you? You were feeling sick?
ROBIN SODERLING: Yeah. Well, sick. I don't feel great, you know. I felt weak; I felt a little bit dizzy. I don't know. It wasn't just a good day.
Q. Do you think having been through a five setter beforehand was the cause or was it something else?
ROBIN SODERLING: No. I mean, it was two days ago and I felt pretty good after that match. I don't think it was because of that match.
Q. Did he take you by surprise, particularly in the first set?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, not really. He played a pretty good first set. But, you know, I was more worried about myself, you know, trying to find my game, trying to feel good on the court.
So, no, not really.
Q. Will this change anything regarding Davis Cup?
ROBIN SODERLING: No.
Q. You will not play?
ROBIN SODERLING: No.
Q. Did you wake up feeling not well, or was it only when you got on the court?
ROBIN SODERLING: Well, yesterday and today I've been playing a little bit low on energy. Not terrible, you know. I had some stomach problems. But, you know, I just haven't felt good. But nothing serious.
But on court, you know, I didn't feel perfect.
Q. Did they give you salt tablets or anything during the game?
ROBIN SODERLING: I got some tablets, yeah. I don't know what it was.
Q. Are you aware that some other players are feeling the same?
ROBIN SODERLING: No, I didn't know. No, I didn't know.
Q. He's obviously one of these next generation players we hear about. Do you feel there's a top 10 game there? Were you impressed?
ROBIN SODERLING: I don't know. I'm not the coach. You should ask someone else.
Q. Is he the best 18 year old you've played?
ROBIN SODERLING: I don't know if I ever played an 18 year old before. I don't know.
He's good. But I'm not the right guy to ask.
#10) Bastad 2011
R32 Bye
R16 Diego Junqueira (ARG) 6-0 6-1
Q Potito Starace (ITA) 6-3 6-4
S Tomas Berdych (CZE) 6-1 6-0
W David Ferrer (ESP) 6-2 6-2
