2009 French Open – Nick’s Picks – Men’s Singles Finals
Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Robin Soderling (SWE)
Robin Soderling continued his amazing run with an unbelievable win over Fernando Gonzalez in the semifinals. Soderling was up two sets to none before Gonzalez came storming back to take the next two sets. In the fifth set, Gonzalez was up 4-1 and it looked like he was going to be the one to advance. It was not to be though as Soderling came back to win 6-4 in the fifth. Soderling is the seventh Swede to reach the finals of Roland Garros, and this is not only his first Grand Slam final it is his first clay-court final! Only five men in the Open Era have won their first clay-court tournament at Roland Garros, with the last being Gustavo Kuerten in 1997.
Like Soderling, Federer also have to fight for his life in the semifinals. He was down two sets to one, but was able to win the fourth set 6-1 and then take the fifth set 6-4. Del Potro gave Federer just about everything he could handle, but in the end Federer just had too much for him. This is Federer’s fourth consecutive Roland Garros final and the first time he hasn’t played Nadal. If he wins this title, he will complete the career Grand Slam and tie Pete Sampras with 14 Grand Slam titles!
Match-Up:
Federer is 9-0 against Soderling and beat him in Madrid just a couple of weeks ago on clay 6-1, 7-5. Soderling turned pro in 2001 and has won three career titles all on carpet. On the other side, Federer turned pro in 1998 and has won 58 career titles, including an amazing 13 Grand Slams.
Now, take those stats and throw them out the window because they mean nothing in this match. Soderling is playing incredible tennis and he is a different player than he was even two weeks ago. You’ve also got to understand the amount of pressure that is on Federer’s shoulders for this match. He is carrying the weight of the sports world on them and who knows how that will affect him. Put yourself in his shoes, and think about how you would react to everyone criticizing every mistake you make on the court. It’s not easy out there!!
Soderling has to come out and throw some quick punches against Federer to help him take control of this match. He has done that throughout the tournament and needs to continue doing so here. He has a huge forehand, excellent serve and very good two-handed backhand. It is difficult to doubt his mental focus after beating Nadal, Davydenko and Gonzalez in succession as well.
At the same time, Federer may come out firing as well and show Soderling that he is here for one thing: to win! Don’t be surprised to see Federer coming out with guns blazing and showing his best stuff from the start. Federer wants this title more than anything in the world and I think he is going to get it!
Nick’s Pick – Federer in 4 sets
I am at a loss on this one as I was very upset with the Nadal upset but have put it in perspective since Soderling has continued to perform and Nadal has now officially been identified as injured. I cannot wrap myself around the whole history element as eras and times have changed. That does not take anything away from Federer except that he will not have beaten Nadal. I hope it goes like yesterday in both semi’s with them going to 5 sets as both of yesterdays matches were great and a credit to the players. Regardless of who wins, it will be a well fought match and to see Borg in the stands again and assume that Andre will present the winner and runner-up the trophy is great.