Roland Garros Sunday Diary

© Getty ImagesRobin Soderling is hoping to overturn a 0-12 record against Roger Federer in the quarter-finals.

Soderling Believes In Lucky 13: Despite having a 0-12 losing record against World No. 1 Roger Federer, Robin Soderling believes he has a fighting chance in the pair’s quarter-final clash at Roland Garros.

“I remember a few times I played against him when I came pretty close, especially one in Halle a couple years ago when I served and returned really well. I think that's what you have to do against him, because of course he's the best player in the world.

“But even against him you will always get a few chances. Then you have to take them, because he won't give you any second opportunities. It's very difficult, but it's not impossible, which I showed and which many other players showed in the past.”

It’s Spain vs. Switzerland… In The Football: It may well turn out to be Spain vs. Switzerland in the Roland Garros final, but one fixture where the two European nations are guaranteed to meet is in one of the first Group H matches at the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa. It is a match that both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have a keen eye on already.

“For me, yes, [Spain is the favourite for the World Cup]. My opinion is we have the best team, but in one competition that all decides in one match. We are better [than Switzerland],” said Nadal, laughing. “Not in tennis, but here [in football] we are better. That is no comparison.”

Federer disagreed, naturally. “We're excited,” said the Basel native. “We're at the World Cup, and everybody's got a chance once you're there. Obviously they're the huge favorites after the way they played at the European Championships was fantastic. I don't think they've lost since.

“Obviously with a point we will be very happy. I don't know if they can play outright aggressive, because you also want to kind of get into the tournament, and that could be our chance.”

Gabashvili Settled In His Lifestyle: Russian qualifier Teimuraz Gabashvili, currently No. 114 in the South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings, the lowest-ranked player in the fourth round, has told the Roland Garros tournament website, “I really have fun on the court, whether I win or not, and tennis is no longer my reason for living. It’s just a passion.”

Gabashvili, who has been married to Maria for two years, added: “Being happy in my private life is a big help. When things aren’t going your way, you have to tell yourself that tomorrow is another day. The most important thing for me, now that I’ve found my style, is learning how to manage the pressure I put on myself.”

Bellucci Ready To Step Into Guga’s Shoes: Brazilian 22-year-old Thomaz Bellucci could take a big step towards emulating three-time Roland Garros winner Gustavo Kuerten’s success, should he find a way to topple King Of Clay Rafael Nadal when the pair meet in the fourth round on Monday.

The left-hander lost to Nadal in straight sets two years ago at Roland Garros, but believes it will be a different match on Monday. “I’m very excited to play Rafa again. It’s a big chance for me and I have no pressure. Rafa has already won four times here so I have no pressure and I can go out and show my game, show what I can do against these top players. I’m very confident to play him. I will give my best and not get frustrated.”

DEUCE: On The Rise…Bellucci

Stat Of The Day: Four-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal will look to record his 200th match win on clay when he faces Thomaz Bellucci in the third match on Court Philippe Chatrier Monday. He is currently in 40th place on the list of all-time Open Era clay court wins with a 199-16 record. Guillermo Vilas leads the list with a 631-159 mark.