# Robin Söderling > Swedish tennis player **Wikidata**: [Q192801](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192801) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Söderling) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robin-soderling ## Summary Robin Söderling is a retired Swedish professional tennis player, widely recognized for his achievements on the ATP Tour, including reaching two French Open finals and defeating Rafael Nadal at the 2009 French Open. He was ranked World No. 4 in singles and is notable for his powerful forehand and competitive presence on clay courts. ## Biography - Born: August 14, 1984 - Nationality: Sweden - Education: Not specified - Known for: Being a top-ranked tennis player and reaching the finals of the French Open in 2009 and 2010 - Employer(s): ATP Tour (Professional Tennis) - Field(s): Professional Tennis ## Contributions Robin Söderling's contributions to tennis are primarily through his on-court performances and career milestones: - Reached the final of the French Open in 2009 and 2010, losing to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal respectively. - Defeated Rafael Nadal in the fourth round of the 2009 French Open, ending Nadal's long streak of French Open victories. - Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 4 in 2010. - Compiled a professional win-loss record of 310 wins and 170 losses in singles. - Participated in all four Grand Slam tournaments and multiple ATP Masters events. - Represented Sweden in international competition, including the Davis Cup. ## FAQs **What are Robin Söderling’s most notable achievements in tennis?** Robin Söderling reached the finals of the French Open in both 2009 and 2010, and he was ranked as high as World No. 4 in 2010. He is also remembered for defeating Rafael Nadal at the 2009 French Open, breaking Nadal’s dominance at Roland Garros. **Where has Robin Söderling worked or competed professionally?** Robin Söderling competed professionally on the ATP Tour, representing Sweden in international competitions such as the Davis Cup. He played in tournaments across the globe, including all four Grand Slams. **What is Robin Söderling’s playing style?** Robin Söderling was known for his aggressive baseline play, particularly his powerful forehand, which was one of the strongest on the tour. His game was especially effective on clay courts, as demonstrated by his deep runs at the French Open. **When did Robin Söderling retire from professional tennis?** Robin Söderling officially retired from professional tennis on December 23, 2015, after battling mononucleosis and other health issues. ## Why They Matter Robin Söderling’s impact on tennis lies in his ability to challenge the dominance of top players like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic during his peak years. His victory over Nadal at the 2009 French Open marked a rare defeat for the Spaniard on clay and shifted the narrative of that year’s tournament. Söderling’s back-to-back finals at Roland Garros in 2009 and 2010 also demonstrated his consistency and prowess on one of the most challenging surfaces in tennis. His career inspired a generation of Swedish tennis players and contributed to the global recognition of Scandinavian talent in professional tennis. ## Notable For - Reaching the French Open final in 2009 and 2010 - Defeating Rafael Nadal at the 2009 French Open, ending Nadal’s unbeaten streak at Roland Garros - Achieving a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 4 in 2010 - Posting a professional win-loss record of 310–170 in singles - Representing Sweden in international tennis competitions, including the Davis Cup - Retiring from professional tennis in December 2015 due to health issues ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Robin Bo Carl Söderling was born on August 14, 1984, in Sweden. He began playing tennis at a young age and quickly rose through the junior ranks. His early development in Sweden’s structured tennis system helped him transition into the professional circuit by the early 2000s. ### Professional Tennis Career Söderling turned professional in 2001 and steadily climbed the ATP rankings. His breakthrough came in 2009 when he reached the final of the French Open, defeating Rafael Nadal in the process. This victory was a major upset and marked one of the few losses Nadal had ever suffered at Roland Garros. In 2010, Söderling returned to the French Open final but was defeated by Roger Federer. Despite not winning the title, his back-to-back finals established him as one of the elite clay-court players of his generation. ### Playing Style and Strengths Söderling was known for his aggressive baseline game, particularly his powerful forehand, which was among the strongest on the tour. His physical strength and mental toughness made him a formidable opponent, especially on slower surfaces like clay. ### Career Statistics and Achievements - **Career-high ranking**: World No. 4 (achieved in 2010) - **Singles win-loss record**: 310 wins – 170 losses - **Notable tournament results**: - French Open: Finalist (2009, 2010) - Australian Open: 4th round (2010) - US Open: 4th round (2009, 2010) - ATP Masters 1000: Multiple quarterfinal and semifinal appearances ### Representation and International Play Söderling represented Sweden in the Davis Cup and other international competitions, contributing to the visibility of Swedish tennis on the global stage. ### Retirement Robin Söderling retired from professional tennis on December 23, 2015. His retirement was influenced by ongoing health issues, including mononucleosis, which affected his ability to compete at the highest level. ### Legacy and Influence Söderling’s legacy includes his role in shifting the dynamics of top-level tennis during his prime years. His performances at the French Open and his victories over top players like Nadal remain significant moments in tennis history. He is also remembered for his sportsmanship and contributions to Swedish tennis culture. ### Personal and Digital Presence - **Website**: [http://www.robinsoderling.se](http://www.robinsoderling.se) - **Social Media**: Twitter handle @RSoderling - **Aliases**: Robin Bo Carl Söderling - **Height**: 193 cm - **Weight**: 87 kg - **Professional Identifier Codes**: - ITF ID: SA49 - ATP ID: 30021424 - Swedish National ID: 225843 - Wikidata QID: Q1710726 Söderling remains a respected figure in tennis, remembered both for his on-court achievements and his dignified presence in the sport. ## References 1. Association of Tennis Professionals website 2. [Expressen. 2024](https://www.expressen.se/sport/tennis/robin-soderling-skiljer-sig-fran-hustrun-jenni/) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. ITF website