Federer books quarterfinal clash with Soderling at French Open
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Last year's French Open finalists Roger Federer and Robin Soderling will meet in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros this year as both of them won the fourth round on Sunday.
The world No.1 Federer started his title defending champion quite well as the Swiss eased the first three rounds without losing a set.
Playing his compatriot and friend Stanislas Wawrinka on Sunday, Federer took the opening set quickly in 6-3, but was broken by the 20th seed first in the second set.
However, the 16-time Grand Slam champion was calm enough to return a service break then came from behind again in the tiebreak to extend his leading to two sets.
A frustrated Wawrinka rendered in the third set to see Federer claim victory in 6-2.
"In the second set I really had the feeling that I was dominating. I had taken the lead in the tiebreak. I was playing well, and I lost myself because of two points, two very stupid mistakes," said Wawrinka who angrily broke his racquet after the second set.
"Of course I felt frustrated. I knew I had to win that set if I wanted to remain in the match, if I wanted to put pressure on Roger, and I didn't do that."
Federer is going to fight against Soderling as the big hitter smashed 10th seed Marin Cilic from Croatia 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
Soderling 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 the Sweden lost the final to Federer, whom then grabbed his first clay court Grand Slam title so as to complete his career Grand Slam.
"I've never lost against him, so obviously that's a good record to have. But because of the improvements he's made, he's an opponent not to underestimate," Federer commented on Soderling to whom he held a winning record of 12-0.
Home favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsogna withdrew midway due to back and hip injury, making the 11th seed Mikhail Youzhny from Russia enjoy an easy qualification for the quarterfinals.
Youzhny's next rival is Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, who swept British fourth seed Andy Murray 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.
Murray became the highest ranking men's player being knocked out so far after second seed Venus Williams lost to Nadia Petrova from Russia in the women's singles fourth round.
The American seven time Grand Slam champion Williams was beaten by the 19th seed Petrova 6-4, 6-3.
Petrova is going to play her compatriot Elena Dementieva, as the fifth seed breezily outmatched Chanelle Scheepers from South Africa 6-1, 6-3.
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