Robin Soderling defeated 2009 finalist Andy Murray 6-1, 7-6(4) on Friday afternoon at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells to reach his first semi-final at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tennis tournament.

“It feels great, and especially here in Indian Wells, because my record here hasn't been so well,” Soderling said about reaching the semi-finals. “I thought I couldn't do well here, and now I show I really can.”

“I was pretty sure before the match that it is almost impossible to outpower Andy because he's moving really well and he puts everything back,” said Soderling. “I really felt it the first game, which was a crucial hold for me. And then after that, I started to play not as aggressive and I was waiting a little bit for my opportunities, and it worked pretty well.”

Murray had four break points in the opening game of the match, but thereafter found himself completely outplayed as Soderling's game settled into a devastating rhythm.

“I think he played very well to start with, and I didn't,” said Murray. “I didn't move particularly well. I was hitting the ball really short, and he's obviously got a big game and he was able to dictate all of the points. So from my side it was poor, but he hit the ball really big from the back of the court and served well when he needed to.”


Soderling had never advanced beyond the third round in his five previous appearances at the BNP Paribas Open, but has now reached the semi-finals without the loss of a set.

He said of his improvement over the last year: “I worked hard, and, I think I changed the way how I think a little bit. A couple years ago I was very focused on playing well all the time. And now what matters to me now is to win matches. Doesn't matter if I play well and win matches or play bad and win matches. You still have to win.”

He will now face Andy Roddick for a place in the final. Roddick defeated Tommy Robredo 6-3, 7-5.


(photo/Getty Images)

Soderling Beats Murray To Reach Indian Wells Semis