Robin Soderling is the first man in the semi-finals after destroying Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

It would be ironic if Soderling does end up winning the tournament, being a last minute replacement for Andy Roddick after failing to make the cut for the final eight.
However right now that appears a very real possibility as the Swede has produced probably the best tennis of the week.

Soderling proved that Monday’s win over Nadal was no fluke with an equally crushing 7-6, 6-1 win over Djokovic who afterwards described him as “the best player so far in the tournament.” Djokovic looked completely spent throughout the match, a combination of his late finish on Monday and the vast number of matches he’s played recently but Soderling served flawlessly and never really gave the Serb a chance.

However the knockout stages are a very different prospect to round-robin ties and Soderling is particularly wary of drawing Roger Federer in Saturday’s semi-finals. The Swiss has not yet qualified with all the complicated mathematical permutations of Group A but has won both matches so it seems likely and he has won all twelve of his matches with Soderling.

“I have played Roger many, many times,” the Swede said. “For every time he beats me, I think I get closer to a win, so we'll see. But it's going to be tough whoever I play."

Soderling has appeared very relaxed all week and he revealed that the advice of his coach Magnus Norman has contributed to his calm frame of mind. “He told me to see it as any other tournament.  He told me when he was here, he was very tired, so he couldn't really give hundred percent. I feel pretty good physically, even though it's been a very long year. But, I just try to see it as any other tournament. So far it's been working.”

Despite his form so far, the bookies don’t rate Soderling’s chances of going all the way. Of the six players left in, Soderling is fourth favourite at 15/2 with Boylesports. Despite his form against Federer those odds might be worth taking.