RedGage

Soderling upset by Llodra in Marseille quarters

Robin Soderling was beaten by Michael Llodra 7-6 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Open 13 in Marseille.

Llodra never lost his serve and had 15 aces.

“I have great sensations,” Llodra said. “I knew it would be difficult to return his serve, but I waited for the good opportunity and I was able to keep my nerves under control.”

Llodra and Soderling offered few rallies but strong play at the net. Soderling lost control of the first set in the tiebreaker when he missed two consecutive forehands.

Llodra made the decisive break for a 2-0 advantage in the second set, and won the match when Soderling sent a passing shot wide on the first match point.

“I knew he would be nervous after losing the first set and I put the pressure on him,” Llodra said. “It paid off.”

Llodra will next play against Mischa Zverev, who defeated Guillaume Rufin 7-5 6-7 6-3.

Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga also advanced to the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Illya Marchenko.

Tsonga was inconsistent against Marchenko, squandering eight of 11 break-point chances. The Frenchman showed his nerves toward the end when he wasted two match points with backhand errors.

“Today it was not a great show, but I did what was needed to go through,” Tsonga said. “I wanted to win too quickly, trying to avoid the rallies. I will need more patience in the semifinal.”

Tsonga will face Julien Benneteau, who beat Gael Monfils 6-3, 7-5.


Source Reuters
photo ao