Slow-burner Soderling proves he is no imposter

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Until this year Robin Soderling's career could be described as steady rather than spectacular, a solid pro but one unlikely to really worry the top guys.

His 7-6 6-1 victory over world number three Novak Djokovic on Wednesday at the ATP World Tour Finals, following on from his straight sets defeat of number two Rafael Nadal on Monday, was proof that he has matured into a major force in the game.

By defeating Djokovic he became the first player to reach the semi-finals at the elite year-end showpiece in London's spectacular O2 Arena -- not bad considering he is only competing after Andy Roddick's withdrawal because of injury.

There is no doubting, however, that the world number nine fully deserves to be mixing it with the superstars of the sport at the biggest indoor tennis event staged. He is no imposter.

While a fatigued Djokovic seemed barely able to stand by the end of the Group B clash, much of that was to do with the pummelling handed out by Soderling, who cracked down 10 aces and belted his forehand with extraordinary power and precision.

As Soderling proved at the French Open in June when he ground four-times champion Nadal into the Parisian clay for an amazing fourth-round victory that made the world sit up and take notice, he has the weapons to become a fixture in the top 10.

"I've only won two matches so far here but it's against the world number two and number three," Soderling told reporters. "I don't think I've ever done that before, back to back.

"Except for the grand slams this is the biggest tournament of the year. It's very good, but there's still more to come.