A French Open final between Robin Soderling and Roger Federer looks like a foregone conclusion on paper. Surely Federer will win with his 9-0 record against Soderling? Maybe not, the Robin Soderling that Federer faces is a re-invented giant killer.
Federer is revered by the French, having grown up just over the border, and he conducts himself impeccably, a champion with qualities who plays such graceful tennis that sometimes one forgets his toughness and huge heart.
Federer's opponent Soderling, happens to be hitting the tennis ball as well as anyone on the planet right now. Forget Nadal, Soderling is 2009's King of Clay.
Soderling is confident, and he has proved that he has the fitness to withstand the difficult moments on Court Chatrier. Down by 4-1 to Fernando Gonzalez in Friday’s semi-final, Soderling upped the momentum of the match, hitting some big shots at crucial times to snatch the victory.
Many pundits are praising coach Magnus Norman for inventing the "new" Soderling. With the help of his coach Soderling is calmer and more resilient.
Soderling’s game matches up well against Federer’s and could produce a classic French open final.
Federer has worked on playing tactically, by working on patterns he thinks will work against his chief nemesis, Rafael Nadal.
In the French Open final expect Soderling to thump the balls flatter than Federer, which although leads to unforced errors has been the killer shot against the likes of Rafael Nadal and Nikolay Davydenko.
