Nadal was facing Robin Soderling in today’s finals in French Open. Nadal has won the match 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 and regained the #1 spot from Federer. Soderling, the only player to have defeated Nadal in Roland Garros, won the quarter finals match last year against Nadal and opened the way for Federer to win his French Open title and career grand slam.
Some also called this sweet revenge for Nadal. Soderling and Nadal had their own problems in Wimbledon when Soderling accused Nadal of playing slow and mimicked his habit of picking up his shorts. This year, Nadal said, “I have no problems with Soderling. His tennis improved a lot, so is his personality. It is good to have player like him on the tour.”
Soderling has always been one of the least popular guys in the locker room. He does not say “hello” to other players most of the time. Soderling said “He wants to keep himself to himself.” He says he is usually tense before games and does not care if he salutes others as often as people say it is mandatory. He does not like losing so he wants to focus more on his game instead of behaving properly.
Soderling made a good speech in English while accepting his runner-up title in France. His behaviour seems to be improving and the last 2 years show he will be a contender on clay for some time to come.
The Queen of Spain was also seated courtside and Nadal started his speech in French. He went on in Spanish and thanked everyone for their support. Nadal is once again the king of clay and despite comments from many that he will never be as strong as he once was, he retook the #1 spot from Federer and he is likely to hold on to it with the start of the grass season.
