Robin Soderling Advances with Bellucci, Ferrer, Djokovic for Quarter-Finals

With his 29^th consecutive win this year alone—to zero losses—Novak Djokovic is tied with Ivan Lendl for most wins in a calendar year to Lendl’s 1986 season, and were far from done the season.

Others ahead are Djokovic/Lendl are Bjorn Borg (33 in 1980) and John McEnroe (42 in 1984). Djokovic got his 29^th by way of defeating Guillermo Garcia Lopez 6-1, 6-2.

When asked about his plans for the next match, he said, "I'm taking one match at a time, focusing on my next rival and that's very important."  

The 23 year old from Belgrade has great loyalty to his Coach, Marian Vajda. Since turning pro in 2003, Djokovic’s ascent has been uncanny, and his staying power is even more impressive, hovering inside the top five.

Since 2006, Djokovic has had a steady climb up the rankings. In 2007, he leveled off and graces the upper echelons of tennis’ top five.

During his career, Djokovic collected 23 titles and two Grand Slams, both at the Australian Open in 2008 and 2011. Inside the top five as well is Andy Murray. 

Murray has had a little bit of a rough patch lately. Last time out at the Monte Carlo event, he needed an elbow injection to get him past his finals match.

We see this week that the injury could possibly still have a lingering effect on him. Not to take anything away from Brazilian Thomas Bellucci who defeated Murray at Madrid today, but the week off may give him more opportunity for rest and healing before Roland Garros.

Although he had a week off between Monte Carlo and today’s match, the post effects still may be a factor. Bellucci lamented after his win that, “I think the key was to miss very few shots on the court and play the important points well."

Robin Soderling had equal success today as he defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6(8), 7-5 in a marathon match, slightly over two hours. Next Soderling will face Roger Federer.

David Ferrer advanced past Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-3, 7-6(3). Frenchman Michael Llodra moved up after defeating Daniel Gimeno-Traver 1-6, 6-4, 7-6(4). Next up for Llodra is Rafael Nadal.

This 1000 point event leads up to another 1000 point event in Rome before the French Open. Quite a few will go into the qualifying matches while searching for their dreams to win the Roland Garros title, or least of all to get into the main draw.