Tennis

Federer, what happened? Seriously, the Quarterfinals?

At the 2010 French Open on Tuesday, Roger Federer’s streak of 23 Grand Slam semifinal appearances came to an end. That’s right, let it sink in. For the first time in six years, there will be a Grand Slam semifinal without the Swiss champion there to stand his ground.

So, who is responsible for defeating Federer in the quarterfinals? In no more than four sets? Keeping Federer on the defensive, dominating him from the baseline like nobody’s business? None other than the big swinging Robin Soderling…

Before Tuesday, Soderling had a 0-12 record against Federer, so in one sense the victory was long overdue. Last year in Paris, Soderling ended the reign of four-time champion Nadal in the fourth round, clearing the way for Federer to take his first French Open title-narrowly beating Soderling in the finals. But this year, Soderling returned with his power shots polished-ready to finally have his day with Federer.

At 6-foot-4, Soderling’s serve has always been a force to be reckoned with, but on Tuesday, he matched the power of his serve with thunderous returns. On several points, Soderling took Federer’s second serve and aimed the return about a foot inside the baseline! To possess the skill and confidence to pull off those shots is astonishing. Again and again, Soderling’s powerful and precise returns (and serves!) threw Federer off his game, forcing him to try to play catch up … ultimately finding himself unable to do so.

Through sheer talent and a focused mentality-never appearing nervous, scared, or anxious-Soderling earned his victory over Federer. One champion outplayed the other. As Federer said to the press, “I’m disappointed to a certain degree. I didn’t think I played a bad match. He came up with some great tennis. It’s much easier to digest this way.”

Unfortunately for Federer’s unbelievable streak, the match couldn’t wait for the semifinals.