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Robin Söderling

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Robin Söderling
Robin Söderling at the2010 US Open
Full nameRobin Bo Carl Söderling
Country (sports)Sweden
ResidenceMonte Carlo,Monaco
Born(1984-08-14)14 August 1984(age 39)
Tibro,Sweden
Height1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)[1]
Turned pro2001
Retired2015 (last match July 2011)
PlaysRight-handed (two-handed backhand)
Prize moneyUS$10,423,124
Singles
Career record310–170 (64.6% inATP TourandGrand Slammain draw matches, and inDavis Cup)
Career titles10
Highest rankingNo. 4 (15 November 2010)
Grand Slam singles results
Australian Open4R (2011)
French OpenF (2009,2010)
WimbledonQF (2010)
US OpenQF (2009,2010)
Other tournaments
Tour FinalsSF (2009)
Olympic Games1R (2004,2008)
Doubles
Career record33–43
Career titles1
Highest rankingNo. 109 (9 May 2009)
Grand Slam doubles results
Wimbledon2R (2005)
US Open2R (2004,2005)
Team competitions
Davis CupSF (2007)

Robin Bo Carl Söderling(Swedish pronunciation:[ˈrɔ̌bːɪnˈsø̌ːdɛɭɪŋ];born 14 August 1984) is a Swedish former professionaltennisplayer. He reached a career-highAssociation of Tennis Professionals(ATP) world No. 4singlesrankingon 15 November 2010. His career highlights include reaching two consecutive finals at theFrench Openin2009and2010,and anATP World Tour Masters 1000title at the2010 Paris Masters.He was the first player to defeatRafael Nadalat the French Open. Söderling played his last professional match at only age 26 after contracting a lingering bout ofmononucleosis.

Tennis career[edit]

Söderling began playing tennis at the age of five. He made his first steps in international tennis in November 1998 in Luxembourg when at the age of 14 he played his first official junior tournament, losing the opening match toFred Hemmes Jr.

Söderling came to prominence at the2009 French Open,where he became the first player to defeatRafael Nadalat the tournament, and the only one to achieve it untilNovak Djokovicin 2015.[2]Nadal had previously never lost at the tournament since his debut in 2005 and was the four-time defending champion. Söderling subsequently advanced to the final, defeating two-time semi-finalistNikolay Davydenkoin the quarterfinals andFernando Gonzálezin five sets in the semifinals en route before being defeated byRoger Federerin the final.[3]

Söderling reached a second successive French Open final in2010.He defeated defending champion Federer in the quarterfinals, which ended Federer's record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals. Söderling won the semifinal in five sets againstTomáš Berdychbefore losing in straight sets to Rafael Nadal in the final.[4]

Following injuries and illness, Söderling had not played a tour-level match since he won the2011 Swedish Openin July 2011, (at which time he was ranked No. 5 in the world, was only 26 years old and was ranked inside the Top 5 for more than 50 consecutive weeks) until his retirement in 2015. He has become active in tennis administration as a tournament director at theStockholm Openin 2014 and 2015 and produced his own brand of premium tennis gear since 2013.[5]

On 23 December 2015, Söderling announced his retirement from professional tennis.[6]

Juniors[edit]

In his first full year in the junior tour (2000), he achieved four tournament victories and in 2001 attained three more titles in the juniors including the prestigiousOrange Bowl,which he won without dropping a set. In the same year, Söderling achieved No. 4 in the year-end ranking.

As a junior Söderling reached as high as No. 2 in the world in singles in 2002 (and No. 11 in doubles).

2001–2008: Early years[edit]

Söderling turned pro in 2001, but only played 2 tour-level matches. He played in his first ATP tournament inStockholm,winning his first match 6–3, 6–3 againstRamón Delgado.

Söderling tried to make his name known in the men's circuit in 2002, playing five more ATP tournaments and the second round of the US Open. In the Challenger circuit, he achieved a 20–7 record, and he played in the US Open Junior tournament where he reached the final.

In 2003 the transition to the main tour was completed as he reached the third round atWimbledon(coming from the qualifying rounds) and reached an ATP final inStockholm(losing a decisive tie-break there), earning the year-end ranking of 86.

Robin's first ATP title came in 2004 at theLyonwhere he beat BelgianXavier Malissein the final. He also made the final atMarseille.By the end of the year, Söderling climbed into the world's top 50 in the rankings.

Söderling suffered his first serious injury in 2005, eventually resulting in a knee operation in March. But even though not fit to play many tournaments, he managed to win another title – inMilan(defeatingRadek Štěpánekin the final). After a mediocre and injury troubled season from there on, Söderling reached the third round in theUS Openbefore going through another surgery.

Returning in 2006, he bounced back from 100th place in the IndesitATP rankingsto top 50 within three months, even though knee and shoulder injuries still prevented him from playing at his best. He helped the Swedish team with two wins to keep its World Group Davis Cup spot in a play-off in Brazil. During this he earned sufficient ATP points to finish at a then career-high ranking of No. 25 in the world.

In 2007 Söderling made it to the round of 32 atWimbledon,where he lost toRafael Nadalin a five-set match. He caused much controversy on the court when he exchanged mocking behaviour with Nadal, tugging on his shorts in the manner Nadal is known for after growing tired of Nadal's slow play at the beginning of the 5th.[7]Söderling did not make it to an ATP final for the first time in five years in 2007, however, he turned out consistent results throughout the year. He missed the last 3 months of the main tour due to a left wrist injury. Söderling missed the Australian Open due to injury. The first tournament he entered in 2007 was the Open 13 Marseille, where he reached the quarterfinals. He then reached the final of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament (Rotterdam), finishing runner-up to Michaël Llodra in the final, 7–6, 2–6, 6–3. The next week he reached another final at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis, U.S. He beat top seed Andy Roddick in the tournament along the way to the final. However, he lost another final in two weeks as he finished runner-up to unseeded Steve Darcis, 3–6, 6–7.

At the2008 World Team Cupin Düsseldorf on clay, he was undefeated in four singles and four doubles matches. He became only the third player in the history of that event to accomplish that feat sinceJohn McEnroein 1984 andFernando Gonzálezin 2003. Winning all of his matches there, he led the Swedish team to victory. In late May he reached the 3rd round in the French Open where he lost against home playerJulien Benneteau.AtWimbledon,he lost toRoger Federerin the round of 64 in three straight sets. After disappointing results in both the Beijing Olympics and the US Open, Söderling decided to break up with his trainerPeter Carlsson.He took on former Swedish world number 2Magnus Normanas support until he appointed a new trainer. With the help of Norman, Robin reached his third final of the year in his native Sweden atStockholm,but lost toDavid Nalbandianin a tough match, 2–6, 7–5, 3–6. Three weeks later Söderling finally clinched a final win for his first title in 3 years, and the second on the particular venue, at theLyontournament, defeatingJulien Benneteauin three sets, 6–3, 6–7, 6–1. On his way to the final he recorded wins over top seedAndy Roddickin the quarterfinals, as well as the French number oneGilles Simonin the semi, both ranked in the top 10 ATP South African Airways ranking. With that, Söderling himself climbed as high as No. 18 in the rankings, a new career-best. He finished the year with a then career-high ranking of No. 17. On 4 November he announced thatMagnus Normanwould be his trainer starting right after his vacation.

2009: French Open final and top 10 debut[edit]

With his new trainer, Söderling started the2009 ATP World Tourat theBrisbane International.He lost in the quarterfinals againstRadek Štěpánek,who eventually won the tournament. Söderling then participated in theHeineken Openwhere he lost in the semifinals againstJuan Martín del Potro,again losing to the eventual champion. He was seeded 16th at the2009 Australian Openand lost to an unseeded former finalistMarcos Baghdatisin the second round.

Söderling became the first Swede to reach theFrench Openfinal in2009since his coachMagnus Normanin2000.

Despite playing well and winning the Challenger inSunrise,Söderling suffered from injuries mixed with poor results for over two months. He finally won consecutive matches for the first time on the ATP tour since theAustralian Openat theRome Masters,before falling to world No. 1Rafael Nadalin a controversial match 1–6, 0–6 in the third round.[8]Following another third round exit at theMadrid MastersagainstRoger Federer,Söderling next competed at theARAG World Team Cupin Düsseldorf, as part of the Swedish contingent. Although Sweden lost, Söderling defeatedGilles SimonandRainer Schüttler,the latter 6–0, 6–0.

At theFrench Open,Söderling, seeded 23rd, reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time after defeatingKevin Kim,Denis Istomin,andDavid Ferrer.This set up a match with four-time defending championRafael Nadal.[9]Hescored the biggest upset of the yearbeating Nadal and ending the latter's record 31-match winning streak at Roland Garros.[10]Women's tennis legendMartina Navratilovadescribed the match as one of the greatest upsets in tennis history. His 6–2, 6–7(2–7),6–4, 7–6(7–2)victory over the reigning world No. 1 made Söderling the first of only three people (the others beingNovak Djokovicin2015and2021,andAlexander Zverevin2024) to beat Nadal at the French Open and in a best of five-set match on clay. Two days later, Söderling defeatedNikolay Davydenkoto reach his maiden major semifinal.[11]Söderling made his first Grand Slam final, beatingFernando González6–3, 7–5, 5–7, 4–6, 6–4[12][13]after having been down 0–30 and 1–4 in the final set, then reeling off the final five games of the set and match. Söderling lostthe finalto Federer 1–6, 6–7(1–7),4–6; however, his ranking was elevated to 12th in the world, a then career high.

Söderling was seeded 13th at theWimbledon Championships,his next event. He reached the fourth round for the first time in his career, defeatingGilles Müller,Marcel Granollers,andNicolás Almagroon the way there. Söderling set up another match with Federer, a five-time champion at Wimbledon; though Federer defeated him again, 4–6, 6–7(5–7),6–7(5–7),Söderling was only broken once in the match.[14]

After Wimbledon, Söderling returned to his native country to play at theCollector Swedish Open.As the number two seed, he received a first-round bye. He defeatedKristof Vliegen6–2, 6–3 in the second round, and won his quarterfinal match againstNicolás Almagro7–5, 6–3. Söderling reached the final by defeating fellow countryman,Andreas Vinciguerra,6–1, 7–6(8–6).There, he beatJuan Mónaco6–3, 7–6(7–4)for the title, becoming the first Swede since his coachMagnus Norman(in 2000) to win the singles title at the Swedish Open. This was Söderling's first outdoor title, as well as his first title on a surface other than indoor hardcourt. As a result of his win, Söderling moved up to 11th in the world.

Söderling then participated in theInternational German Openbut lost in the third round toNicolás Almagro.This was Söderling's first loss to a player other than Federer since theRome Mastersin late April, where he lost toRafael Nadal.

Moving to the U.S. hard court season, Söderling started at theLegg Mason Tennis Classicbut had to pull out in the quarterfinals due to an elbow injury which forced Söderling to withdraw from theCanada Mastersas well. Returning to the scene atCincinnati Masters,he lost in the first round to former world No. 1Lleyton Hewitt.

Söderling was seeded 12th at theUS Openand advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time at Flushing Meadows after defeating notable opponents such asAlbert Montañés,Marcel Granollers,in form American 22nd seedSam Querreyand 8th seedNikolay Davydenko.En route to the quarterfinals, Söderling had a bit of luck on the fact that two of his opponents retired, including the Russian, who retired when Söderling led 7–5, 3–6, 6–2. Söderling went on to face five-time defending champion and 1st seedRoger Federerfor the fourth time this year (and third consecutive in a Grand Slam event). Söderling was defeated by Federer 0–6, 3–6, 7–6(8–6),6–7(6–8).This was the second time in the pair's 12 meetings that Söderling took a set against Federer. In Davis Cup Playoffs, he helped in achieving a 3–2 win over Romania and a chance for Sweden to compete in the 2010 Davis Cup by clinching a 7–5, 6–1, 6–0 victory over world No. 28Victor Hănescu.

After US Open, he reached the semifinals in bothMalaysian OpenandChina Openbefore theShanghai Masterswhere he officially made it into the top 10 for the first time, notably beating fifth seedJo-Wilfried Tsonga6–3, 6–3. However, he was upset in the quarterfinals byFeliciano López6–7(4), 3–6. Söderling was the No. 1 seed at theStockholm Openbut due to an elbow injury had to retire in the semifinals. Though not a serious injury, Söderling retired from theValencia Open 500tournament as well. At the moment No. 9 on the ATP Race to London, Söderling needed a big performance inBNP Paribas Mastersto reach theATP World Tour Finals.[15]He started strong againstIvo Karlović,winning in straight sets, 6–4, 7–6(8–6),and beat 6th seed Davydenko in the third round, 6–3, 3–6, 6–4. Söderling lost his chance of qualifying to theATP World Tour Finals,however, when 3rd seedNovak Djokovicwas too strong in the quarterfinals and was defeated three sets, 4–6, 6–1, 3–6.

However, Söderling qualified as the first reserve for the finals when AmericanAndy Roddickwithdrew due to an injury sustained in Shanghai. Söderling was drawn into a group comprisingRafael Nadal,Novak DjokovicandNikolay Davydenko.He made an impressive start, beating Nadal in his first round-robin match 6–4, 6–4. He followed that up with a 7–6(7–5),6–1 win over Djokovic. He was then assured a place in the semi-finals of this year-end championships. However, he lost toNikolay Davydenko6–7(4–7),6–4, 3–6 in his third and final round-robin match. Despite this, he became the winner of his group (group B) and set up a semifinal clash with US Open championJuan Martín del Potrowho defeated him 6–7(1–7),6–3, 7–6(7–3).Söderling finished the year ranked No. 8, a new career-best.

2010: French Open final and career high ranking[edit]

Söderling at the2010 French Open

2010 proved to be Söderling's most successful year to date. He reached No. 4 in the world (career-best) and finished the year as a Top 5 player. He repeated the previous year's success at Roland Garros by reaching a second successive final and winning his first Masters 1000 crown.

Söderling made his 2010 debut at theCapitala World Tennis Championship,an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. He started in the quarterfinals, defeatingStanislas Wawrinka,7–6(7–4),7–6(7–2).Söderling then came back from a set and break down to defeatRoger Federer6–7(6–8),7–6(7–1),6–2. Although generally reported in the media as being the first time Söderling had defeated Federer in 13 attempts, as an exhibition it remains an unofficial match that does not count on record. Söderling facedRafael Nadalin the final, but was defeated 6–7(3–7),5–7.[16]

Söderling then headed toChennai,India to participate in theAircel Chennai Openwhere he was the 1st seed but lost in the first round to AmericanRobby Ginepri.

Robin Söderling was seeded 8th but lost in the first round of theAustralian Opento unseeded SpaniardMarcel Granollersdespite being up 2 sets to love, 7–5, 6–2, 4–6, 4–6, 2–6.[17]

Söderling received a wildcard to theABN AMRO World Tennis Tournamentand was seeded 3rd. He won his first ATP match of the year defeatingFlorent Serra4–6, 6–4, 6–1 in the first round and went on to win the tournament, when, leading 6–4, 2–0 againstMikhail Youzhny,Youzhny retired with a hamstring injury, becoming Söderling's then-biggest tournament win (in terms of point size).[18]

Söderling was the first seed at theOpen 13in Marseille but lost in the quarterfinals to eventual championMichaël Llodra6–7(2–7),4–6. He won both his singles ties against Argentina inDavis Cup,though Sweden lost eventually 2–3. Söderling was seeded sixth at the2010 BNP Paribas Open,losing in the semifinals to seventh seedAndy Roddickafter a three-set match, 4–6, 6–3, 3–6.[19]Seeded fifth in the2010 Sony Ericsson Open,Söderling was once again eliminated in the semifinals, this time byTomáš Berdych2–6, 2–6.[20]

After good results in the U.S., Robin returned to Europe for the clay-court season but had to pull out of2010 Monte-Carlo Rolex Mastersdue to an overstrained knee.[21]His clay-court season got underway at the2010 Barcelona Open Banco Sabadellwhere he reached the final after victories overJuan Ignacio Chela,Feliciano López,Eduardo SchwankandThiemo de Bakker.He fell to 5th seedFernando Verdascoin three sets.[22]

Söderling had a dip in form after poor results in bothRome MastersandMadrid Masterswinning just one match againstPaolo Lorenziin Rome. His final tournament before Roland Garros wasOpen de Nice Côte d'Azurwhere he was the first seed. There, after receiving a bye in the first round, he fell in the second round asOlivier Rochusupset the Swede 6–2, 4–6, 4–6.

Söderling was seeded 5th at theFrench Openwhere he defeated Federer for the first time in his career in a tour-level match in the quarterfinals. Söderling's victory snapped Federer's streak of 23 consecutive semifinal appearances in Grand Slam tournaments and marked the second consecutive year that Söderling defeated the defending French Open champion. In the semifinals, he defeated the 15th seedTomáš Berdych6–3, 3–6, 5–7, 6–3, 6–3 to reach his second consecutive French Open final.[23][24]By this win, Söderling guaranteed himself a then career-high ranking of world No. 6. Söderling facedRafael Nadalin the final and could not stop the Spaniard as he fell 4–6, 2–6, 4–6.[25]

After another successful run at Roland Garros, Söderling entered theWimbledon Championshipsas the sixth seed where he lost, in the quarterfinals, to eventual championRafael Nadal6–3, 3–6, 6–7(4–7),1–6.[26]Despite the loss, he cracked into the top 5 for the first time in his career.

Returning to his native country for the first time since the Davis Cup tie in March, Söderling was seeded top at theSwedish Open;a tournament that he won the previous year. He lost in the final againstNicolás Almagro,5–7, 6–3, 2–6.[27]

After a three-week hiatus from competition, Söderling started off his U.S. hard court season with theATP World Tour Masters 1000eventCanadian Openwhere he was seeded 5th, but was defeated by ArgentineDavid Nalbandian6–4, 4–6, 1–6 in the third round.[28]

At theWestern & Southern Financial Group Masters,Söderling was again the 5th seed and received a bye into the second round where he defeatedLleyton Hewitt4–6, 6–3, 7–5. He lost in the third round toAndy Roddick.

Entering the final Grand Slam event of the year, Söderling was seeded 5th at theUS Open.He defeated qualifierAndreas Haider-Maurerin a tough five-set opening round. In the second round, Söderling beatTaylor Dentwith ease 6–2, 6–2, 6–4.[29]He then playedThiemo de Bakkerin the third round, and won comfortably in straight sets 6–2, 6–3, 6–3. He came throughAlbert Montañésin four sets to set up a quarterfinal showdown withRoger Federer,but could not stop the Swiss maestro as he lost 4–6, 4–6, 5–7 in tough conditions.[30]He then went back to Sweden to compete in theDavis Cup,where Sweden retained their World Group status as they outmatched Italy.

Traveling to Asia for the Asian swing, Söderling had three quarterfinal showings. First at theProton Malaysian Openin Kuala Lumpur, and then at theChina Openin Beijing. He competed in Shanghai for theShanghai Rolex Masters,where he maintained his consistency, beatingJanko Tipsarević6–3, 7–6(5), andDavid Ferrer7–5, 6–4. He lost to Federer in the quarterfinals 1–6, 1–6.

Back in Stockholm, competing at theIf Stockholm Open,he reached the quarterfinals after bowing out to eventual runner upFlorian Mayer.Though a disappointing week for the Swede, he ensured his place in theATP World Tour Finalsas he became the 5th player to qualify.[31]

After a semifinal spot in Valencia, Söderling traveled to Paris to compete at theBNP Paribas Masters.Receiving a bye to the 2nd round, Söderling defeatedGilles Simon6–4, 6–0. Up next wasStanislas Wawrinka,7–6(7–3),6–3. In the quarterfinals, Söderling won overAndy Roddick,also in straight sets 7–5, 6–4.[32]Söderling then saved three match points in beatingMichaël Llodrato reach his first Masters 1000 final and won the championship by defeatingGaël Monfils(who had also saved 5 match points in his semi-final against Roger Federer) in the final 6–1, 7–6(7–1).He became the first Swedish player to win Paris Masters sinceThomas Enqvistin 1996, and the first Swedish winner of a Masters 1000 since Enqvist won Cincinnati in 2000. With the win, he ensured a career-high ranking of No. 4 by overtakingAndy Murray.[33]

Söderling's final tournament of the year was at theATP World Tour Finalswhere he failed to progress through the group stage, winning one match againstDavid Ferrerand losing toAndy MurrayandRoger Federer.[34]He finished the year as world No. 5, a career-best.

Söderling and coachMagnus Normandecided on 1 December 2010 that they would not continue their collaboration.[35] Robin Söderling announced in early December 2010 that his new coach was to beClaudio Pistolesi.[36]

2011: mononucleosis and semi-retirement[edit]

He started 2011 with a new coach at his side, finishing third at a January exhibition inAbu Dhabi.Söderling's first ATP World Tour tournament of the year wasBrisbane Internationalwhere he defeatedRyan Harrison,Michael Berrer,Matthew EbdenandRadek Štěpáneken route to the final. Söderling went on to win the tournament without dropping a set and being broken only once, winning againstAndy Roddick6–3, 7–5 in the final. This elevated his ranking back to No. 4 in the world, improving his seeding for the Australian Open.[37]

Söderling reached the fourth round at theAustralian Open,a career-best. As the fourth seed, he made his way to that without dropping a set, before being defeated in five sets by the unseededAlexandr Dolgopolov.[38]

Returning to Europe, he defended his title at theABN AMRO World Tennis Tournamentin Rotterdam. This was Söderling's second title of the year and eighth of his career. This also marked the first time he defended a title.[39]

After success in Rotterdam, he traveled to Marseille for theOpen 13.As the first seed, he defeatedNicolas Mahut,Michaël LlodraandDmitry Tursunoven route to a second final in two weeks. There he facedMarin Čilićand after losing the first set, he came back, eventually winning 6–7(6–8),6–3, 6–3. This was Söderling's third title of the year and 9th of his career.[40]

After helping Sweden win theDavis Cuptie against Russia, Söderling had a dip in form spanning from early March to the beginning of May, only getting past the third round once in four events. Due to the lack of form, Söderling opted to split with his coach Claudio Pistolesi, only five months into the partnership.[41][42]Days later,Fredrik Rosengrenwas appointed as the new coach of Söderling.[43]

At theMadrid Masters,Söderling saw offSantiago GiraldoandJo-Wilfried Tsongato set up a quarterfinal matchup withRoger Federerwhich he lost 6–7(2–7),4–6.

In the first round of theRome Masters,Söderling survived a scare as he saved 3 match points en route to defeatingFernando Verdasco2–6, 7–5, 6–4.[44]After winning 6–3, 3–6, 6–4 againstNicolás Almagro,[45]he facedNovak Djokovicin the quarterfinals which he lost 3–6, 0–6.

At theFrench Open,Söderling was seeded 5th and beatRyan Harrisonin the first round 6–1, 6–7(5–7),6–3, 7–5. Harrison was up 5–4 in the fourth set, within one game of forcing a fifth and deciding set, but ceded the final three games, the fourth set, and ultimately the match to Söderling. Söderling then plowed throughAlbert Ramos,Leonardo MayerandGilles Simonwithout losing a set to land himself a quarterfinal showdown with world No. 1Rafael Nadal.Söderling's hopes of repeating his 2009 upset of the Spaniard proved futile, as he was swept off the court in straight sets.

At theWimbledon Championships,Söderling (seeded fifth) defeatedPhilipp Petzschnerof Germany in the first round, coming up against one-time Wimbledon championLleyton Hewittin the second. Hewitt won the first two sets 7–6, 6–3, but Söderling fought back, snatched a couple of well-timed service breaks, ultimately going through to the third round after winning the last three sets 7–5, 6–4, 6–4. In the third round, however, Robin Söderling, troubled by a bad stomach, lost toBernard Tomicof Australia 1–6, 4–6, 5–7.

After Wimbledon, Söderling announced that he would not take part in Sweden's Davis Cup fixture against reigning champions Serbia, preparing instead for theSwedish Open.He did not drop a single set in the entire tournament. He rolled past world No. 8Tomáš Berdychin the semifinal (6–1, 6–0) and world No. 6David Ferrerin the final (6–2, 6–2) for his fourth title of the year, and his last tour-level match to date.

Due to a wrist injury, Söderling was forced to withdraw from the back-to-back hardcourt Masters tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati. He was also diagnosed withmononucleosis,an illness that forced him to withdraw from theUS Openat the last minute. He had been slated to playLouk Sorensenof Ireland in the first round.[46]With the illness continuing to hamper his progress, he decided to take yet more time out, withdrawing for the rest of the season, including the2012 Australian Open.[47]

Söderling only managed to play 14 tournaments in the first half of 2011 and finished the year with a 38–9 record and four titles.

2012–2015: Years off tour, retirement[edit]

Due to his ongoing recovery from illness, Söderling announced that he would miss the start of the2012 season,including theAustralian Open,and theFrench Open.[48]He remained absent for theIndian Wells Masters,the first Masters tournament of the year.[49]He later confirmed that he would be absent until at least after theOlympic Gamesand in July 2012, he dropped out of the ATP rankings due to having not competed for 12 months.[50]

Söderling announced no timetable of returning due to slow recovery from his illness.[51][52]

Söderling was absent from the tour in 2013. In September he launched a new range oftennis ballsunder the brand 'RS-Tennis'.[53]

Söderling continued to be absent from the tour in 2014. During the year he produced and released more types of tennis gear for RS-Tennis and became the tournament director of theStockholm Open.[5]

2015 was Söderling's last year of his professional tennis career to date, although he was still absent from the tour. Throughout the year he produced and released more types of tennis gear for RS-Tennis. On 23 December, Söderling announced his retirement from professional tennis, after over four years of not playing a single ATP-level match due tomononucleosis.[54]He also suffered from persistentanxietyandpanic attacks,which he stated began in July 2011; Söderling announced he was "completely healed" in July 2020.[55]

2016–2023: Coaching after retirement[edit]

In 2016, Söderling announced his intention to return to professional tennis, as he had said a few years earlier that he planned to have a very, very long career. He also stepped down as the tournament director of the Stockholm Open toSimon Aspelin.

He currently resides in the Stockholm suburb of Djursholm, with his wife and two children.

After a period spent coaching fellow SwedeElias Ymer,[56]Söderling captained the Swedish2021 Davis Cup Finalsteam.

On April 3, 2023, the Swedish Tennis Association said Soderling had stepped down from his role as Sweden's Davis Cup captain for health reasons.[57]

Playing style[edit]

Söderling is anoffensive baselinerwho was known for his competitive drive and powerful game. His serve was heavy, reaching speeds up to 230 km/h (143 mph),[58]although it could sometimes lack precision, leading him to struggle against strong returners likeNovak DjokovicandAndy Murray.He could overpower almost all of his opponents and possessed a good return game.[59]He has accurate and powerful groundstrokes off both wings; his forehand was regarded as one of the most lethal in the game, and he also possesses a dangerously accurate two-handed backhand that can also produce winners with sharp angles although with less speed than his forehand.[60]Most of his success came on faster surfaces (fast indoor courts; hard and carpet), although his best Grand Slam results came at the French Open; likely due to the heavy conditions and slowness of the clay which allowed him more time to set up his powerful shots.[61]

Many people praised Söderling for his game, saying he was a Grand Slam contender and stable top-10 player,[62]though his mental strength and lack of consistency were weaknesses.[63]In latter years, his mental strength improved and this raised the consistency of his game; much of this was attributed to the influence of his coach, former world No. 2 and2000 French OpenfinalistMagnus Norman.[60]

Equipment[edit]

Söderling woreLottoclothing and used theHeadPro Tour 630 racquet under various paint jobs throughout his career.[64][65][66]

Career statistics[edit]

Main article:Robin Söderling career statistics

Grand Slam tournament performance timeline[edit]

Key
W F SF QF #R RR Q# DNQ A NH
(W) winner; (F) finalist; (SF) semifinalist; (QF) quarterfinalist; (#R) rounds 4, 3, 2, 1; (RR) round-robin stage; (Q#) qualification round; (DNQ) did not qualify; (A) absent; (NH) not held; (SR) strike rate (events won / competed); (W–L) win–loss record;.
Tournament 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 SR W–L Win %
Australian Open A Q2 2R 1R A 1R A 2R 1R 4R 0 / 6 5–6 45.45
French Open A Q1 1R 2R 1R 1R 3R F F QF 0 / 8 19–8 70.37
Wimbledon A 3R 1R 1R 1R 3R 2R 4R QF 3R 0 / 9 14–9 60.87
US Open 2R 1R 2R 3R 2R A 1R QF QF A 0 / 8 13–8 61.90
Win–loss 1–1 2–2 2–4 3–4 1–3 2–3 3–3 14–4 14–4 9–3 0 / 31 51–31 62.20

Finals: 2 (2 runners-up)[edit]

Result Year Championship Surface Opponent Score
Loss 2009 French Open Clay SwitzerlandRoger Federer 1–6, 6–7(1–7),4–6
Loss 2010 French Open Clay SpainRafael Nadal 4–6, 2–6, 4–6

Year-end championship performance timelines[edit]

Tournament 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 SR W–L Win %
Year-end championship
ATP World Tour Finals Did not qualify SF RR DNQ 0 / 2 3–4 42.86

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

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