2010 BNP Paribas Masters Match Review: Robin Soderling vs. Andy Roddick
The 26-year-old Swede Robin Soderling battled American Andy Roddick to kick off the quarterfinal round at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris.
Roddick joined Soderling in the elite eight-man field for the London finals only yesterday after Gael Monfils forced the exit of Fernando Verdasco. Verdasco was the only remaining threat to Roddick’s qualification this year. As
Roddick and Soderling met for their quarterfinal match, fans got a sneak peek of what awaits them at the ATP World Tour Finals in London. However, Americans might be in for a disappointment from their local favourite, as Roddick’s performance today was nothing
short of abysmal. The former world number one spent the whole match chasing Soderling, never taking the lead.
Roddick, expressing his disappointment over the match said, "It was pretty average all around. I didn't start off well, and Robin is the kind of guy who if you don't start off well, you're not going to see a lot of rallies to be
able to work your way into a match. I just didn't feel sharp. I played one good point, one bad point. The basics weren't there as much as they have been the last couple weeks, which is disappointing, but it is what it is."
This was the pair’s third Masters meeting this year. Although Roddick defeated Soderling in both their previous meetings - once at Indian Wells and then at Cincinnati - it seems the Swede has finally learnt from his mistakes. Soderling
broke Roddick’s winning streak today, enjoying a straight set win over the American. Both professionals were caught in a neck-to-neck battle in the first set, with no break for either until 5-5. Soderling caught a break in the eleventh game, winning two consecutive
games to win the set 7-5. Early into the second set, Soderling managed a lucky lead of 2-0, which he maintained until the end. The Swede won the second set 6-4.
An ecstatic Soderling talking to the press post-match had this to say, "We've played five times now, and we always had really tough matches. Against Andy, the margin is always going to be very small. I lost to him in three sets
in Indian Wells and 7‑6 in the third in Cincinnati - both matches, with a little bit of luck, I could have won. Against Andy, it's always just a matter of taking the chances you get, and today I think I did really well. I served pretty well today. Maybe I
could have put some more first serves in, but my second serve was good, and overall it was a good match."
Although this was their third meeting for the season, their head-to-head score was levelled since the pair had met earlier, twice in 2008, with the Swede emerging as the victor on both occasions. Today’s match has given the lead
to Soderling, with their lifetime score now 3-2 in his favour. Also having never won a Masters title, Soderling moved one-step closer towards his dream of a maiden Masters title.
As Soderling moves one-step closer to a title win, Roddick exits the tournament with ample time to practice for the mega event in London.
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