US Open 2010: Soderling reaches the second round
French Open finalist Robin Soderling has defeated Andreas Haider-Maurer of Austria in his opening round match of the US Open 2010 on Monday. The final match score remained 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 5-7, and 6-4. Fifth seeded Robin outlasted his 214 ranked opponent in a total of five sets during the four hours play.
Soderling, earlier this year got the better of Swiss tennis maestro, Roger Federer in the quarterfinal of the clay court French Open, thus ending his run of twenty three major semi final appearances in a row. Both of them are once again likely to face each other in the quarterfinal of the currently underway United States Open as well.
Some other players who also advanced on Monday included the sixth seeded Russian tennis ace, Nikolay Davydenko, who defeated the American Michael Russell in a three setter clash. Their final match score was 6-4, 6-1, and 6-3. The ninth seeded Andy Roddick also did well to knock down Stephane Robert in a total of three sets. The final match score remained 6-3, 6-2, and 6-2.
The second ranked Federer, who is seeking his seventh major title and also the seventh US Open final appearance in a row, was scheduled to meet Brian Dabul of Argentina in an evening clash at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Roger’s run of five US Open trophies in a row was concluded last season by Juan Martin Del Potro, who is currently injured and not contesting this year’s tournament at the Flushing Meadows.
Meanwhile, Soderling struggled to outlast his twenty three year old opponent who smashed a total of thirty four aces in his yesterday’s clash. Robin fell behind 4-1; however, he grabbed six of the last seven games during the first set and made his way into the second round of the US Open. Davydenko, who’s best US Open appearances came in 2006 and 2007, will next meet the French Richard Gasquet, who got the better of Simon Greul in a total of three sets. His final match score was 6-3, 6-4, and 6-2.
Earlier, Davydenko remained away from the sport for three months due to a wrist injury. While commenting on his present physical condition, Nikolay said, "I cannot say anything for sure as far as my physical fitness at the moment is concerned. I will have to play some more matches to get a clear idea. However, one thing is for sure that I used to play with a greater level of confidence and strength prior to my injury where as at the moment, I don’t see my game any where even close to the top ten players in the world”.
The 80th ranked Russell broke Nikolay in the third game of the first set, however, the Russian battled back in the tenth game and claimed the set. In yet another match on Monday, Kei Nishikori also reached the second round after Evgeny Korolev withdrew from the match at 7-6 (7-0), 5-2. Nishikori will now take on the eleventh seeded Marin Cilic in his next round clash. Marin had advanced after getting the better of Illya Marchenko in a total of three sets. His final match score was 7-5, 6-3, and 6-1.
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