Anyone remember what he did last year in Paris..
Matchup: While Federer has won all 12 career matches against Soderling (Soderling beat Federer in an exhibition match earlier this year in Abu Dhabi), the Swede has battled Federer deep into many of the 12 contests. The matches have been growing closer in competitiveness as well.
Soderling is no stranger to knocking off heavy favorites on the big stage in Paris -- he defeated last year's No. 1 seed, Rafael Nadal, in the fourth round of the 2009 tournament. Before collecting four straight wins at Roland Garros this year, Soderling struggled on clay during the tour season. He came into the French Open losing three in a row to subpar opponents.
Federer came into Roland Garros 6-3 on clay this year, including a disappointing loss to Albert Montanes (who Soderling beat in Paris). But Federer has not dropped a set so far this year at Roland Garros.
Including last year's French Open final, Federer and Soderling faced off in three Grand Slam events last year. Out of the 10 sets in the three matches, five went to a tiebreak.
Because Soderling has the potential to take Federer deep into sets, he has the ability to challenge him in the match as long as he holds his strong serve.
Head-to-Head: Federer leads 12-0.
Quote: After Federer's exhibition loss to Soderling earlier this year in Abu Dhabi, he said: "I don't want to downplay exhibition matches, but they're there to try out a few things."
Prediction: Although the head-to-head record is lopsided, Soderling has been battling Federer in recent contests. Soderling will do the same on Tuesday, but will fall a bit short. Federer will take the match in a tough five-set contest.
Matchup: While Federer has won all 12 career matches against Soderling (Soderling beat Federer in an exhibition match earlier this year in Abu Dhabi), the Swede has battled Federer deep into many of the 12 contests. The matches have been growing closer in competitiveness as well.
Soderling is no stranger to knocking off heavy favorites on the big stage in Paris -- he defeated last year's No. 1 seed, Rafael Nadal, in the fourth round of the 2009 tournament. Before collecting four straight wins at Roland Garros this year, Soderling struggled on clay during the tour season. He came into the French Open losing three in a row to subpar opponents.
Federer came into Roland Garros 6-3 on clay this year, including a disappointing loss to Albert Montanes (who Soderling beat in Paris). But Federer has not dropped a set so far this year at Roland Garros.
Including last year's French Open final, Federer and Soderling faced off in three Grand Slam events last year. Out of the 10 sets in the three matches, five went to a tiebreak.
Because Soderling has the potential to take Federer deep into sets, he has the ability to challenge him in the match as long as he holds his strong serve.
Head-to-Head: Federer leads 12-0.
Quote: After Federer's exhibition loss to Soderling earlier this year in Abu Dhabi, he said: "I don't want to downplay exhibition matches, but they're there to try out a few things."
Prediction: Although the head-to-head record is lopsided, Soderling has been battling Federer in recent contests. Soderling will do the same on Tuesday, but will fall a bit short. Federer will take the match in a tough five-set contest.