Federer downs straight sets against Soderling into US Open semis
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Number 2 seed Roger Federer repeated what he did at Flushing Meadows last year to dispatch Swede-powerhouse Robin Soderling in three straight sets on blustery Wednesday night, setting up a semifinal match against Novak Djokovic at US Open.
Federer extended his perfect record againt fifth seeded Soderling 7-0 on hard court with a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 victory in the quarterfinals.
The 29-year-old Swiss moved within two triumphs of a record sixth U.S. Open title. The victory marked Federer's 13th in 14 matches against Soderling as Soderling's the solo win came from their meeting in the French Open quarters, when Soderling beat Federer in four sets.
Federer next faces Novak Djokovic, the third-seeded Serbian, whom he will meet on the Open's final weekend for a fourth straight year. Federer beat Djokovic in the finals in 2007 and in the semis the last two years.
"I think he's playing great," Djokovic said, after his 7-6 (2), 6-1, 6-2 ouster of number 17 seed Gael Monfils of France.
"Because he lost in the quarters of the French and in Wimbledon, some people think he's more vulnerable than ever. But I think he's playing maybe the best tennis that he (has) played in this tournament."
After breaking Federer to go up 5-3 in the third, Soderling served for a fourth set, but hit two tight forehands into the net as Federer broke back. Federer would go on to play a stunning game to break Soderling again to go up 6-4, hitting a breathtaking backhand lob along the way, then closed it out at love, with his 18th ace.
Federer was typically brilliant in the big points, winning five of his six break opportunities.
