Soderling gains first victory over Federer

ROBIN SODERLING claimed his first victory over world number one Roger Federer at the 13th time of asking in Abu Dhabi yesterday to reach the final of the Capitala World Tennis Championship.

The Swede perhaps had the advantage, having begun his season yesterday with victory over Federer’s Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka at the exhibition tournament.

However, the 15-time grand slam champion began well in his first match of the campaign, taking the opening set on a tie-break and then breaking in the opening game of the second.