Soderling Wins First Career Title ATP Lyon
Posted on October 11, 2004Sweden's Robin Soderling broke through for his first ATP title Sunday at Lyon, outlasting Belgian veteran Xavier "X-Man" Malisse 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
It was the third career title for Soderling after losing in Stockholm last year and Marseille this past February.
"I didn't know what it was like to win a tournament and I almost cried when I realized it was over," Soderling said. "My two previous finals told me that a day like today would come in the near future."
The loss dropped X-Man to 0-6 career in finals.
"There is no jinx," Malisse said. "Soderling is really strong on hardcourt."
The win propelled Soderling to No. 1 on the Tennis-X Euro Series standings (see: www.tennis-x.com).
In the doubles final, Israel's Erlich/Ram defeated Bjorkman/Stepanek 7-6(2), 6-2 for their first title of the year in their third final.
It was the third career title for Soderling after losing in Stockholm last year and Marseille this past February.
"I didn't know what it was like to win a tournament and I almost cried when I realized it was over," Soderling said. "My two previous finals told me that a day like today would come in the near future."
The loss dropped X-Man to 0-6 career in finals.
"There is no jinx," Malisse said. "Soderling is really strong on hardcourt."
The win propelled Soderling to No. 1 on the Tennis-X Euro Series standings (see: www.tennis-x.com).
In the doubles final, Israel's Erlich/Ram defeated Bjorkman/Stepanek 7-6(2), 6-2 for their first title of the year in their third final.