Soderling vs Bellucci
Giant-slayer Robin Soderling looks to make another smashing run when he faces Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci in his third-round match-up. The world number 6 is best known for his wins over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer during his previous French Open finals appearances. Can his success on the grass carry over to the clay?
So far, Söderling has proven just that—advancing to the third round without much trouble, sending Marcel Granollers of Spain packing via scores 7-5, 6-1, 6-4. The sixth-seeded Swede only needed an hour and a half to deal with the Spaniard who is currently ranked 87th in the ATP rankings.
An on-form Söderling dominated from start to finish, hitting 39 winners to Granollers’ 15. His aggressive game eventually won him the match and the right to face 25th-seeded Thomaz Bellucci for a berth in the final 16. Many consider this as a revenge match for the Swede after the Spaniard had defeated Söderling in the very first round of the 2010 Australian Open via scores 5–7 2–6 6–4 6–4 6–2.
Prior to that, the Swede opened his grass season campaign by defeating unseeded American Robby Ginepri in straight sets 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
Söderling looks strong this year, despite his finals defeat at Roland Garros. The Swede vowed to make a better result for himself this year, after his runner-up finish at the French Open in 2009. He made his impressive start at this year’s French Open by beating unseeded Laurent Recouderc of France in the first round. After advancing to the quarterfinals, he met world number 1 and defending champ Roger Federer.
Refusing to wilt under the pressure, Söderling pulled out all the stops to stun Federer 3–6, 6–3, 7–5, 6–4. Söderling shocked the world by unseating Federer and ending his record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semi final appearances. This has upped the Swede’s rep of defeating both Federer and Nadal in a Grand Slam tournament. Observers feel that a Nadal-Söderling rematch may be in the works especially if both contenders come out of their respective third round matches.
But of course, Bellucci will do everything he can to prevent that match from happening. The Brazilian, currently ranked at 24th, is riding on the success of his most recent tour title when he won the final of the 2010 Movistar Open in Chile. En route to the final, the 22-year old tennis pro defeated defending champion Fernando Gonzalez.
After a string of impressive appearances in various tournaments, Bellucci entered the 2010 French Open in good form. Bellucci managed to get a fourth round finish, losing to, surprise-surprise, Rafael Nadal. Nadal triumphed but not after being stretched to the limit by the youngster 2-6, 5-7, 4-6 in a match that went well over 2 and a half hours.
Heading into the match, Söderling enjoys the upper hand over Bellucci. The Swede’s accurate hard ground strokes, coupled with a serve that is heavy and precise may take care of Bellucci down the line. Look for Söderling’s dependable double-handed backhand to topple Bellucci’s big forehand shot. Because the Brazilian lacks the power to produce a lot of aces, Söderling may exploit this by using his brutal and powerful game to attack the upstart. Besides, Bellucci’s preferred court is clay, so an impressive performance on Wimbledon’s grass court may not be in the cards for the Brazilian.
Our prediction? Söderling will defeat the game and overmatched Bellucci in straight sets. The world’s no.5 has too many weapons to use and his power-hitting style appears effective against Bellcuci, However, the Brazilian is not a pushover. He can make shots consistently and also possess a powerful serve. Eventually, the match will favour the player who can big make big shots. Apparently, Soderling has done it before, while the jury is out for Bellucci.
Robin Söderling vs Thomaz Bellucci Preview
Giant-slayer Robin Söderling looks to make another smashing run when he faces Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci in his third-round match-up. The world number 6 is best known for his wins over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer during his previous French Open finals appearances. Can his success on the grass carry over to the clay?
So far, Söderling has proven just that—advancing to the third round without much trouble, sending Marcel Granollers of Spain packing via scores 7-5, 6-1, 6-4. The sixth-seeded Swede only needed an hour and a half to deal with the Spaniard who is currently ranked 87th in the ATP rankings.
An on-form Söderling dominated from start to finish, hitting hit 39 winners to Granollers’ 15. His aggressive game eventually won him the match and the right to face 25th-seeded Thomaz Bellucci for a berth in the final 16. Many consider this as a revenge match for the Swede after the Spaniard had defeated Söderling in the very first round of the 2010 Australian Open via scores 5–7 2–6 6–4 6–4 6–2.
Prior to that, the Swede opened his grass season campaign by defeating unseeded american http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robby_Ginepri in straight sets 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
Söderling looks strong this year, despite his finals defeat at Roland Garros. The Swede vowed to make a better result for himself this year, after his runner-up finish at the French Open in 2009. He made his impressive start at this year’s French Open by beating unseeded Laurent Recouderc of France in the first round. After advancing to the quarterfinals, he met world number 1 and defending champ Roger Federer. Refusing to wilt under the pressure, Söderling pulled out all the stops to stun Federer 3–6, 6–3, 7–5, 6–4. Söderling shocked the world by unseating Federer and ending his record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semi finals appearances. This has upped the Swede’s rep of defeating both Federer and Nadal in a Grand Slam tournament. Observers feel that a Nadal-Söderling rematch may be in the works especially if both contenders come out of their respective third round matches.
But of course, Bellucci will do everything he can to prevent that match from happening. The Brazilian, currently ranked at 24th, is riding on the success of his most recent tour title when he won the final of the 2010 Movistar Open in Chile. En route to the final, the 22-year old tennis pro defeated defending champion Fernando Gonzalez.
After a string of impressive appearances in various tournaments, Bellucci entered the 2010 French Open in good form. Bellucci managed to get a fourth round finish, losing to, surprise surprise, Rafael Nadal. Nadal triumphed but not after being stretched to the limit by the youngster 2-6, 5-7, 4-6 in a match that went well over 2 and a half hours.
Heading into the match, Söderling enjoys the upper hand over Bellucci. The Swede’s accurate hard ground strokes, coupled with a serve that is heavy and precise may take care of Bellucci down the line. Look for Söderling’s dependable double-handed backhand to topple Bellucci’s big forehand shot. Because the Brazilian lacks the power to produce a lot of aces, Söderling may exploit this by using his brutal and powerful game to attack the upstart. Besides, Bellucci’s preferred court is clay, so an impressive performance on Wimbledon’s grass court may not be in the cards for the Brazilian.
Our prediction? Söderling will defeat the game and overmatched Bellucci in straight sets. The world’s no.5 has too many weapons to use and his power-hitting style appears effective against Bellcuci, However, the Brazilian is not a pushover. He can make shots consistently and also possess a powerful serve. Eventually, the match will favour on who ca big make big shots. Apparently, Soderling has done it before, while the jury is out for Bellucci.
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