The world No. 1 and defending champion Roger Federer was defeated by Sweden Robin Soderling 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 4-6 on Tuesday, ending his French Open journey in the quarterfinals.
"I think I played a better match today than last year's finals, said Soderling who was beaten by Federer at last year's French Open final," said Soderling. "As I said, it's difficult playing in your first Grand Slam final. Now I am in there and I played on the center court a couple of times. It was a little bit easier this time."
Federer took the first set in style but was broken in his first serve in the second set to his big hitter opponent.
Roger Federer of Switzerland waves as he leaves the court after losing his match against Robin Soderling of Sweden during the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris June 1, 2010.
The third set was halted due to rain when Federer led in 5-5, 30-15. The match resumed about one hour later, witnessing the 16- time Grand Slam champion lost his serve due to double faults, then the whole set.
The two finalists at last year's French Open returned service break at the beginning of the fourth set, then tied until 4-4.
In the key moment, Federer surrendered another serve then failed to make revenge, losing the match to his rival who held the winning record of 12-0.
"I'm disappointed to a certain degree," said Federer who had reached the semifinals or better in his last 23 Grand Slam. "I don 't think I played a bad match, so it's easier to go out this way, I think.
"Conditions obviously were on the rougher side for both of us, and I thought he came up with some great tennis."
Federer admitted that he was most disappointed for that he couldn't defend his title at Roland Garros.
"I really felt like my tennis was good enough to come here and do it again, but that was not the case today."
Soderling, seeded fifth, made his fame by giving four time French Open champion Rafael Nadal his first defeat at Roland Garros in the fourth round last year, but lost the final to Federer, whom then grabbed his first clay court Grand Slam title so as to complete his career Grand Slam.
"Of course it's nice to beat the world No. 1 two years in a row on the center court. I think both times I play really good tennis. It's a great feeling," said Soderling, who showed no sign of exultation on his face.
Soderling is going to play Tomas Berdych from Czech, as the 15th seed smashed Russian Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 6-1 and 6-2.
While Soderling is going to focus on his next match at the French Open, Federer is ready to move on.
"You know, you move on to the grass and forget a little bit," said Federer. Roger Federer of Switzerland returns the ball to Robin Soderling of Sweden during the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris June 1, 2010. Federer lost the game.