Nicolas Mahut vs Robin Soderling Preview: 2011 Open 13
Home favourite, Nicholas Mahut, is all set for a clash with number one seeded Robin Soderling in the second round of the ATP Open 13 2011. Mahut defeated Andrey Kumantsov comfortably in his previous match. The veteran Frenchman had to fight off three break
points in the first set but it was easy sailing for him in the end as he beat his opponent in straight sets to book a place in the next round of the event.
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 and Andy Murray 6-7, 6-7 in his first two matches at the Hopman Cup 2011. He won his last match against Potito Starace, 6-3, 7-6
to help France place second on the points table. 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 four 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 at the hands of 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 the hard courts, with most of his titles being won on his favourite surface. The surface advantage will definitely work in his favour. Having played more tournaments,
the Swede will also have a high confidence, fitness and experience level.
Home advantage will be the only glimmer of hope for Nicolas Mahut. The crowd will be firmly support the local boy, which might turn the tables for him. In the past, the crowd has proved to be very decisive, even against top players. 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.
Soderling will be expecting an easy victory preferably in straight sets.
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