16-time Grand Slam Champion Roger Federer was overwhelmed by Swede player Robin Soderling at the quarterfinals of the 2010 French Open, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.
Federer rarely bids farewell early at a tournament so soon and the last time that he was not in the semifinals of a major tennis event was six years ago.
When asked about his defeat last Tuesday that ended his 23 successive Grand Slam semifinals streak, Federer said, “They all come to an end at some stage. You hope they don’t happen, but they do. It was a great run”. With a cynical smile, he further humored, “Now I’ve got the quarterfinal streak going, I guess.’’
Federer’s 23 Grand Slam semifinals streaks is currently the longest in record, followed by 10 streaks, a record both held by Rod Laver and Ivan Lendl.
The World No. 1 blamed the pouring rain for his loss which made the conditions damp to favor underdog Soderling. He still credited the 25-year old though by saying, “He was able to hit consistently through the ball on the offensive and put them close to the lines and that’s something that was impressive.”
25-year old Soderling, on the other hand, was ecstatic of his victory against the World No. 1. Last year, the two met in the French Open where Federer defeated the Swede in the finals. But for Soderling, reaching the finals in the French Open last year was an accomplishment as it was his first time to get past the third round of any Grand Slam tournament.
Confident of his chance to snag a Grand Slam title this time, he said, “Even though I lost so many times, I always have a chance to win.” Despite his confidence, Soderling is not about to loosen up saying, “I always believe that I can win. This is a big win, but it’s not the final. Still have at least one more match to play, and I don’t want to celebrate too much.”
The result of the French Open is to watch out for because if 4-time French Open Champion Nadal (2005-2008) should win the finals, he would unseat Federer as World No. 1.