Greetings, everyone, and Happy New Year. I'd say we're off to a rockin' (Robin) start, with one of Federer's favorite 2009 punching bags exacting revenge in Abu Dhabi. Oh, you can dismiss it as an exhibition; fair enough. I don't believe the result will be included in the official head-to-head record, either. But the win will certainly help Soderling's confidence. What a great way to start the new year for a guy who made a big statement in June of last year, and just keeps adding to and building on it. In addition to everything else, it's a perfect model for any young player to emulate. And it's true at every level of the game. You rest on your laurels after a big win and you'll find yourself resting on a sore behind in nothing flat.
I wouldn't read much about Federer's state of mind or game into this particular match, but I definitely draw some tentative conclusions about Soderling, and the upcoming year in tennis. When was the last time four different men won the four majors? I'm having trouble finding that statistic with my limited resources here at the farm, anyone care to help out?
Here's to a great 2010 here at TennisWorld!
PS - I really like that green-and-blue color scheme they're using in Abu Dhabi. . .
-- Pete