Robin Soderling defeated Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in two hours and 30 minutes to snap his 12-match losing streak against Roger and to end Roger Federer's record streak of 23 consecutive major semifinals.

In 2009, Soderling beat four-time champion Rafael Nadal in the French Open's fourth round, before losing to Federer in the final.

"Of course it's nice to beat the World No. 1 two years in a row on the center court," said Soderling. "I think both times I play really good tennis. I think it's a great feeling."

"I think when I won the second set, which was very big for me, I really felt that I could relax a little bit," Soderling said of the turning point in the match. "After that, I think I start today play better and better."


For the first time in six years, the men's semifinals at a major tennis tournament will not involve 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer.

"They all come to an end at some stage. You hope they don't happen, but they do. It was a great run," Federer said: "Now I've got the quarterfinal streak going, I guess."

"I don't think I played a bad match, so it's easier to go out this way, I think," said Federer. "Conditions obviously were on the rougher side for both of us, and I thought he came up with some great tennis. It's a touch easier to digest this way."

Federer had won 117 matches in a row, in the first five rounds at majors, dating to a loss to Gustavo Kuerten in the third round at the French Open on May 29, 2004 (Federer advanced twice when opponents withdrew).

"I mean, I respect everyone, but I'm always — how do you say? — I'm honest enough to myself that I know I can win them all," said Federer, who would cede his No. 1 ranking if Nadal wins the title.

Soderling hit 14 aces and 49 winners past 28-year-old Federer, who committed 27 unforced errors - 15 fewer than his opponent - and converted two of seven break point opportunities. It was Soderling's fifth win in 23 matches over a Top 3 opponent.

"I think I played good matches in these kind of conditions in the past, and I think it suits my game pretty well," said Soderling. "It was a little bit slower, but I managed to serve really well and take the ball early. It helped me a lot."



You can read Roger Federer's after match interview here.

You can read Robin Soderling's after match interview here.

Robin Soderling knocks defending champion Roger Federer out of Roland Garros