Soderling to face Gonzalez in French Open semis
Thursday, 4 June 2009
PARIS, May 3 (AP): When the French Open ends, Robin Soderling wants to be remembered for more than merely stopping Rafael Nadal's four-year reign. Soderling wants to succeed Nadal as champion.
The Swede's improbable run at Roland Garros has reached the semifinals, and he'll face Fernando Gonzalez Friday. In 22 Grand Slam tournaments, it's the first time Soderling has advanced beyond the third round.
"I don't want to be too happy, because I have another match coming up," he said.
As an encore to his upset of Nadal, the No. 23 seed beat No. 10 Nikolay Davydenko 6-1, 6-3, 6-1. Davydenko twice reached the French Open semifinals and was singled out by Roger Federer as this week's potential champion, but Soderling keeps defying expectations in Paris.
The Swede's improbable run at Roland Garros has reached the semifinals, and he'll face Fernando Gonzalez Friday. In 22 Grand Slam tournaments, it's the first time Soderling has advanced beyond the third round.
"I don't want to be too happy, because I have another match coming up," he said.
As an encore to his upset of Nadal, the No. 23 seed beat No. 10 Nikolay Davydenko 6-1, 6-3, 6-1. Davydenko twice reached the French Open semifinals and was singled out by Roger Federer as this week's potential champion, but Soderling keeps defying expectations in Paris.