Robin Bo Carl Söderling ( born 14 August 1984 in Tibro) is a professional tennis player from Sweden who is currently ranked #5 in the ATP rankings(26/10/2010). Söderling is best known for reaching successive French Open finals in 2009 and 2010.
In both tournaments, he defeated the defending champion en route to the final—Rafael Nadal in 2009 (becoming the first and, to date, only player to defeat Nadal at the French Open), and Roger Federer in 2010 (ending Federer's record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals).
But ironically, it was Federer and Nadal who had beaten Söderling in the 2009 and 2010 French Open finals respectively. He is coached by former world no.2 Magnus Norman. Playing Style and Equipment Söderling's type of game has been described as "brutal". He is known for his competitive drive and powerful game, hitting accurate hard ground strokes.
His serve is heavy and precise, capable of generating a speed of over 140 mph. He can overpower most of his opponents and possesses a very good return game. His double-handed backhand is solid and dependable, while the forehand is regarded as one of the most lethal in today's game. Most of his success has come on faster surfaces (hard courts and indoor carpet), although his best Grand Slam results have occurred at the French Open; this is thought to be due to the heavy conditions and slowness of the clay which allow him more time to set up his powerful shots.
Many people have praised Söderling for his game, saying he is a Grand Slam contender and stable top tenner, though his mental strength and lack of consistency in his game has been his weakness. But in recent years, his mental toughness has improved considerably and this has raised the consistency of his game; much of this has been attributed to the influence of his current coach, former world #2 and 2000 French Open finalist Magnus Norman. Söderling wears Lotto clothing and uses a Head YOUTEK Radical Midplus racquet.
In both tournaments, he defeated the defending champion en route to the final—Rafael Nadal in 2009 (becoming the first and, to date, only player to defeat Nadal at the French Open), and Roger Federer in 2010 (ending Federer's record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals).
But ironically, it was Federer and Nadal who had beaten Söderling in the 2009 and 2010 French Open finals respectively. He is coached by former world no.2 Magnus Norman. Playing Style and Equipment Söderling's type of game has been described as "brutal". He is known for his competitive drive and powerful game, hitting accurate hard ground strokes.
His serve is heavy and precise, capable of generating a speed of over 140 mph. He can overpower most of his opponents and possesses a very good return game. His double-handed backhand is solid and dependable, while the forehand is regarded as one of the most lethal in today's game. Most of his success has come on faster surfaces (hard courts and indoor carpet), although his best Grand Slam results have occurred at the French Open; this is thought to be due to the heavy conditions and slowness of the clay which allow him more time to set up his powerful shots.
Many people have praised Söderling for his game, saying he is a Grand Slam contender and stable top tenner, though his mental strength and lack of consistency in his game has been his weakness. But in recent years, his mental toughness has improved considerably and this has raised the consistency of his game; much of this has been attributed to the influence of his current coach, former world #2 and 2000 French Open finalist Magnus Norman. Söderling wears Lotto clothing and uses a Head YOUTEK Radical Midplus racquet.
