rogerfederer.com - Roger stunned by Söderling

Roger stunned by Söderling

Roger was upset by Sweden’s Robin Söderling at the French Open today, ending his record streak of 23 straight Grand Slam semifinals. Roger lost 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 4-6.

Roger started well and had everything well under control in the first set. But Söderling suddenly cranked up his response and took a 2-0 lead in the second, finally winning the set as both players held serve from there. Roger had a set point in the 10th game of the third set which unfortunately he could not make use of. Play was suspended with Roger leading 30-15 due to rain. After an interruption of over an hour, Roger eventually dropped his serve and then lost the set.

Roger seemed to come back in the final set as he took a 2-0 lead. But it wasn't long before the Swede pushed forward again, breaking back and eventually wrapping up the match after 2h 30min when Roger went long with a weary return.

The last time Roger did not reach the semi-final of a Grand Slam tournament was in 2004, when he was evicted in Paris by Gustavo Kuerten. Today's defeat opens up the possibility that, should Rafael Nadal win the title, Roger will lose the top ranking just a week before equalling Pete Sampras's record of 286 weeks at number one.