Soderling again too hot for Nadal to handle

TENNIS ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS:EVEN THE Spanish are confused. When Rafael Nadal took over from Roger Federer as the world number one last year, and then beat the Swiss in the final of this year's Australian Open for his sixth grand slam title, it seemed as if he was on the verge of permanently changing the order at the very pinnacle of men's tennis.

By the start of the clay court season he had even abandoned the taped supports around each of his troublesome knees, but then at Roland Garros came the most fundamental shock tennis has witnessed in recent years with Nadal losing in the fourth round to Sweden’s Robin Soderling, his first ever defeat in the French Open.

And yesterday Soderling, a late replacement for the injured Andy Roddick, was at it again, beating the Spaniard 6-4, 6-4 in the opening round robin match of Group B.

This was nothing like the tennis earthquake that shook Paris, only a minor tremor. Nadal has rarely been comfortable on indoor courts, whereas three of Soderling’s four career titles have come under roofs.

The real jolt was not so much Nadal’s performance, but Nadal himself. Initially, when he switched from sleeveless to the more traditional style of tennis shirt, it superficially appeared that some of the old intimidation had been dissipated or reduced. Gone, to the eyes at least, were the bulging biceps and lumberjack shoulders.

Now it is clear, beyond doubt, that the bulk of his upper body has been much reduced. This is Rafa Mark II, and for the time being it is much inferior to Mark I.

Nadal remains reticent about any weight loss, but it appears a decision was taken to slim him down to take the strain off his knee joints, attempt to prevent the tendonitis that has punctuated his playing days, and prolong his career.

Only Nadal and Andy Murray of the ATP World Tour finalists have a winning head-to-head record against Roger Federer, with Murray knowing he may have to beat the world number one twice this week if he is to win the title on Sunday afternoon in the 02 Arena.

Murray always regards his meetings with the Swiss as something special, whereas Federer tends to be a touch dismissive whenever their rivalry is raised.

Tonight they play each other for a 10th time, both striving to get pole position in the round robin group A. Murray holds a 6-3 lead over Federer, and has won two of their three matches this year.

“I know that to win against Roger I have to play great, but more to the point I need to play my way,” he said. “If I try to change my style, I’m not going to feel comfortable, and I’m going to struggle. So I will just try to play my best tennis in the way that I play it best.”

It is the classic puncher v counter-puncher; Murray waiting for an opening, Federer looking to impose himself. “When we both play well it’s always a close match, but I always feel it’s the attacker who holds the key to success, so it’s up to me whether I win or lose, not up to him,” Federer said.

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