Robin Soderling has found peace but his return to tennis is in doubt

Robin Soderling has been dearly missed on the ATP tour since his abrupt exit in July due to glandular fever, also known as mononucleosis.  In a new interview, Robin says that he is over the acute phase of the illness and no longer has a sore throat and fever, but now is struggling with the prolonged exhaustion that can sometimes complicate the course of recovery.  At this point he is only able to train for about 20 to 30 minutes, however there are other times he is too tired to even get off the couch.  He admits that he has a difficult journey ahead of him, and his illness may be (brace yourself Sod fans) career ending, however he is staying optimistic and taking one day at a time. He states, "I will do everything to get back."

In lighter news, during his time off the tour he has found a sense of peace that he had previously lacked, and he and his fiancée have also adopted a Maltese puppy and named him Sixten!  Big guys with small dogs = adorable.  He is also spending his time reading and playing puzzles,

I read lots of books, mostly about nutrition and physiology. And then I started doing puzzles. It is the best pastime and really good to practice patience, sometimes it takes several hours before finding that wretched piece, haha.

It would be wonderful to have Robin back, but I am happy that he is at least finding a way to enjoy himself off-court.  To read the entire interview (in Swedish) click here.

Injury Update: Roger Federer and Robin Soderling

Both Roger Federer and Robin Soderling have pulled out of the Shanghai Rolex Masters (Robin has pulled out of the entire Asian swing).  Robin is still recovering from a bout of mononucleosis while Roger is recuperating with some "nagging injuries."   Their statements are below.

Robin:

I am very sorry to disappoint my fans, tournaments, and sponsors but I am still not able to play Asia tour.  I was looking forward to coming to Asia but unfortunately my mono is not completely cured yet and so I have to take another month off... I can't wait to be back on the court but I have to be patient.  I hope to be ready for Stockholm Open in the middle of October.  Thank you to all of you for your support - your encouraging messages help me to get through this difficult time.

Roger:

After consultation with my team, I’ve unfortunately decided to pull out of the Shanghai Rolex Masters in order to take some necessary time to rest and recuperate after a long summer. I have some nagging injuries that I need to address and I look forward to returning to the ATP World Tour as soon as possible. I have very fond memories of Shanghai so I will miss this amazing tournament and all my loyal Chinese fans, but I look forward to returning to China next fall.

Yours,
Roger

Get well soon!

Weekend Wrap Up: Clijsters regains #1, Kvitova, Almagro, Hantuchova, and Soderling Hoist Trophies

What an interesting week in tennis! The Youth Movement in tennis has been on full display this week with several youngsters going deep into tournaments and 1 (possibly 2 by tonight) hoisting trophies.  But first let's start with Kim Clijsters who reached number 1 in the world with her SF win over Jelena Djokic in Paris. Finally we have a number 1 who has won multiple Majors, most recently the Australian Open that everyone can rally behind. 

The problem with all of this?  If Caroline Wozniacki wins in Dubai next week, the WTA will have to do the ceremony all over again, because she will regain the #1.  Here is a message that Kimmie left to her fans after winning.

And now here are your trophy hoisters for the weekend:

Petra Kvitova who is only 20 years old and still rocking braces won her 3rd WTA tournament (her 2nd this year), shocking Kim Clijisters 6-4, 6-3 in the Open GDF Suez Final.  She has wicked power off the forehand and backhand and she is only going to improve.  Watch out ladies...

Daniella Hantuchova won her first tournament since 2007 at the Pattaya Open defeating Sara Errani 6-0, 6-2.

Nicolas Almagro took out Alexandr Dolgopolov to win his 2nd Brasil Open and his 8th ATP title.  I was really hoping Dolgo would get his first ATP trophy here, but I think this year is going to hold  great things for him.  He is top 10 talent for sure.

And last but not least, Robin Soderling defended his Rotterdam title defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Robin Soderling of Sweden holds up the trophy after winning the final tennis match of the World Indoor Tournament against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in Rotterdam February 13, 2011. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen (NETHERLANDS - Tags: SPORT TENNIS)

Tonight's final at the SAP Open features Fernando Verdasco vs. Milos Raonic.  There is no doubt that Milos, also only 20 years old, will be a top ten player.  He cracks serves at 147 mph and has touch to boot.  Fernando was looking mighty dominant last night, defeating Juan Martin del Potro in straights, but I have a feeling that it will go 3, with Verdasco pulling it out in the end.   

And there you have it.  Next week's tournaments for the WTA are Dhubai and Bogata, and for the ATP are Memphis, Marseille and Buenos Aires .

Weekend Wrap Up

Stanislas Wawrinka defeated Xavier Malisse 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 at the Aircel Chennai Open

and

Robin Soderling denied Andy Roddick a 2-peat at the Brisbane International, defeating him 6-3, 7-5. With this win Soderling moves up to #4 in the world over Andy Murray.  

Makes for an interesting Australian Open.

Photos: THIS is why I love David Ferrer and other photos from WTF

Because he's short, and dares to be different in his gray suit.  Love it, love him. Here are some other fab photos from the media frenzy at the World Tour Finals. Action started today. First match:  Andy Murray over Robin Soderling 6-2, 6-4. Trying to get back that number 4 spot Muzz?

Yawn: Soderling Defeats Monfils at Paris Final

I overslept today and missed this match, but based on the score line I clearly didn't miss much, which, I must add, is such a shame after yesterday's semi-finals.  Both semi-finals went the distance with tie-breakers in almost every set, and today Monfils almost got bageled??   Glad I didn't get up to watch.  There is one interesting twist, with this win, Soderling moves into the number 4 spot (career high) and Andy Murray drops to number 5.  Adds a little bit more drama for the World Tour Finals, heh?

P.S.  Andy, please get a coach, you're becoming a bit of a basket case.

Soderling Qualifies for Barclays

Robin Soderling is the 5th man to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals behind Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.  On qualifying Soderling stated,

I’ve always dreamed about playing at the World Tour Finals. I had some really good memories from last year. Hopefully I can take that experience and do even better this time. There are only eight players and you play against the world’s best so every match you play could be like a Grand Slam final. I will have to be ready from the first match.

I personally think his picture looks least like him, with Rafa and Murray's the most accurate.   Unfortunately there was no video up yet on the ATP website, but once there is, I'll update this post.