2011 Open 13: Nicolas Mahut vs Robin Soderling – Preview
Home favourite Nicholas Mahut sets up a clash with number one seed Robin Soderling in the second round of the 2011 Open 13. Mahut defeated Andrey Kumantsov comfortably. The veteran Frenchman had to fight off three
break points in the first set. But it was an easy sail for him till the end as he thrashed out his opponent in straight sets to book a place in the next round of the event.
The year 2011 has not proved to be very promising for Mahut so far. Despite putting up good performances, he lost to John Isner 3-6, 6-7(5) and Andy Murray 6-7 (4), 6-7 (5) in his first two matches at the Hopman Cup 2011. He won
his last match against Potito Starace, 6-3, 7-6 (2) to take France second on the table though. Mahut then defeated Luke Saville, Guillermo Olaso and Frederick Nielsen in the qualifiers for the Australian Open. The Frenchman won his first round match against
Brian Dabul 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 at the Australian Open 2011 but could not live up to his potential in the second round.
On the other hand, Robin Soderling has enjoyed great form and success this year. The World number 4 has been cleaning up at the ATP 250 and 500 minor events this season, winning two titles already. Soderling won the Brisbane International
and then was clinical at the Rotterdam Open. His only loss of the season came at the Australian Open 2011 where he was forced to leave early by Alexandr Dolgopolov. The Swede will be hoping for his third title of the season as he starts off his campaign in
the second round.
The two players have met each other only once before at Nottingham in 2006. The Swede was able to get the better of his opponent in that encounter. Of course, that account is past its sell by date and may not affect the outcome
of this clash. The “on paper facts and figures”, ranking and the surface type are all going to matter though.
Apart from his supreme form and his high ATP ranking, Soderling has proved that he is a master of hard court with most of his titles being won at his favourite surface. The surface advantage will definitely work in his favour.
Having played more tournaments, the Swede will also have a high confidence and fitness level.
Home advantage will be the only glimmer of hope for Nicolas Mahut. The crowd will be firmly supporting the local boy which might turn the tables for him. In the past the crowd factor has proved to be very decisive even against
the top players. But considering the way Soderling has played throughout this season, it may take more than a few patriotic cheers. The Frenchman will have to lift his game to a new level if he is to proceed to the quarterfinal.
Prediction: Soderling will be expecting an easy victory preferably in straight sets.
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