Robin Söderling
Robin Söderling
Robin Söderling
Robin Söderling
Robin Söderling
Robin Bo Carl Söderling (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈrɔbɪn ˈsøːdəɭɪŋ]; born 14 August 1984 in Tibro) is a professional tennis player from Sweden who is currently ranked number 4 in the ATP rankings. 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),[2] and Roger Federer in 2010 (ending Federer's record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals).[3] His biggest title of his career came at the 2010 Paris Masters. Söderling was previously coached by former world no.2 Magnus Norman, but it was announced on December 1, 2010 that they will not continue their collaboration.[4] Robin Söderling announced in early December 2010 that his new coach was to be Claudio Pistolesi.
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 225 km/h.[42] He can overpower most of his opponents and possesses a very good return game.[43] His double-handed backhand is solid and dependable, while the forehand is regarded as one of the most lethal in today's game.[44] 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.[45] Many people have praised Söderling for his game, saying he is a Grand Slam contender and stable top tenner,[46] though his mental strength and lack of consistency in his game have been his weaknesses.[47] 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 previous coach, former world #2 and 2000 French Open finalist Magnus Norman.[44] Söderling wears Lotto clothing and recently switched from the Head YOUTEK Radical Midplus racquet to the Head Youtek Prestige Midplus.