Remember when players use to warm-up for the AO in Australia?
Robin Soderling practicing in Abu Dhabi. Photo from their website.
Sudden Swedish tennis star (continuing to rise?) Robin Soderling dismissed Swiss #2 and newlywed Stanislas Wawrinka in two tight tie-break sets, winning them 4 and 2 in the opening round of the Capitala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.
In the 6-man exhibition Soderling will next face #1 Roger Federer in the semifinals. He brings with him the weight of a dismal head-to-head record - Federer has beaten Soderling all 12 times they've played. In fact, in sets played Roger leads an astounding 28-2. The good news for Robin? Lately a few players have been taking care of those 0-fer records against Rog, we'll see...
In the other match played today the Jo-Wilfried Tsonga substitute #17 David Ferrer of Spain came from a set down to beat Russian #6 Nikolay Davydenko, 26, 62, 64. That was probably a fun shot-making match to watch. I suppose I could have streamed the match but living in Los Angeles I was sound asleep.
In a battle of the Spaniards Ferrer will face #2 Rafael Nadal (who says he is ready for a great season) tomorrow for a place in the final. Oddly enough they have only played each other 11 times - you'd think it would have been more, no? Rafa leads their series 8-3, winning the last 4. Ferrer last beat him at the '07 Masters Cup.
Now who on Earth doesn't want to start the year good and proper with a Roger/Rafa final? ME TOO. For old time sake!!!
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