Soderling upsets Federer, snaps 12-match losing streak to Swiss

Robin Soderling gained revenge for his loss in the Roland Garros final last year in a HUGE way when he out-hit and out-played defending champion Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in their quarterfinal match today. The Swede took control of points with big serves, almost bigger returns and blazing groundies that took the 16-time Grand Slammer out of his game.

The Swede notched his first win over the top seed in 13 attempts and ended Fed's ridiculous record of 23 straight Grand Slam semifinal appearances. Sod also became the first baller to defeat the title holder in consecutive years since Mats Wilander defeated Yannick Noah in 1984 and Ivan Lendl in 1985; he upset Rafael Nadal, who was the 4-time defending champ, in the fourth round last year.

As for Fed he could lose his No.1 ranking if Rafa wins the title on Sunday.


Sod was asked about finally snapping the losing streak to the Swiss in his post-match presser:

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.

Sod will next face Tomas Berdych who crushed Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals.

Great win for the Swede. He basically hit Fed off the court with his ferocious power once he got going. I bet he wishes he played this way in the men's final last year.

Shoulda, coulda, woulda I suppose...

[Photo(s): Getty Images]