• ATP Tour

Soderling claims Rotterdam win

ESPN staff
February 14, 2010
Robin Soderling won his fifth ATP title © Getty Images
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Robin Soderling won the ABN AMRO World Indoor Tournament after Mikhail Youzhny was forced to retire in the second set with the score at 6-4 2-0 in the Swede's favour.

The world No. 8 was in commanding form throughout, particularly in his service game. Soderling claimed 72% of the points on his first serve, which helped him to find a rhythm in the other aspects of his game as he secured three first set breaks.

Youzhny, who was on court deep into the previous evening during a gruelling win over top seed Novak Djokovic, required the aid of his trainer in the opening set to try and alleviate pain caused by a leg injury.

Ultimately, the discomfort was too much for the Russian to bear. As a result, Soderling claims his fifth ATP Tour title, and his second career victory over the world No. 20.

After the contest, a disappointed Youzhny apologised for his withdrawal. "I'm sorry I could not finish," he said. "I couldn't move so well. I tried my best, I had been hoping to do better today."

"I've always wanted to play well here again," said former finalist Soderling. "It was a good week for me but a bit up and down."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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