Federer loses; breaks streak of consecutive semi-final appearances

The shocker was the second pulled off by Soderling in as many years at Roland Garros. He ended the reign of four-time champion Rafael Nadal in the fourth round a year ago, clearing the path for Federer to win his first French Open title and complete a career Grand Slam.

Federer beat Soderling in last year’s final. Before Tuesday, Federer was 12-0 against the big-swinging Swede, winning 28 of their 30 sets.

But Soderling’s recent improvement was evident as he controlled rallies from the baseline with his thunderous strokes. Federer found himself on the defensive and unable to move forward.

Seeded fifth, Soderling saved a set point in the third when he won a frantic rally, then won the set to take the lead for good shortly after a rain delay of 75 minutes.

“It cannot be much better,” Soderling told the crowd after his latest center-court stunner. “It’s great to play on this court. It’s for sure my favorite Grand Slam.”

Soderling’s the only player other than Nadal to beat Federer at Roland Garros since 2004. The Swede’s opponent Friday will be No. 15 seed Tomas Berdych, who beat No. 11 Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. Berdych has yet to drop a set in five rounds.