Roger Federer crumbled in the face of a ferocious onslaught as Robin Soderling seized his chance to claim a first career win against the 16-time Grand Slam champ.
Soderling dropped a similar bombshell in last year’s fourth round when he inflicted a first Roland Garros defeat on four-time champion Rafael Nadal. Since then, he has flourished into a serious contender for major titles.
After being outplayed in the opening set, Soderling went on the offensive with his fearsome forehand and first serve beginning to smash holes in Federer’s defenses. Not even the Parisian drizzle and sticky clay could dampen his fire as he blazed away with 19 forehand winners.
