November 15, 2010 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Robin Soderling of Sweden defeated Gael Monfils of France, 6-1, 7-6 (1), to capture his first Masters 1000 title in the Paris Masters final. Soderling became the first Swede to win a Masters 1000 tournament since Thomas Enqvist did so in Cincinnati in 2000. The win will place Soderling number four in the men’s rankings.
“I always feel so good here in Paris,” said Soderling. “I now have two favorite tournaments, it’s here and Roland Garros. I hope I can come back many times and play well.”
Soderling broke in the fourth game when Monfils sent a forehand volley wide. He then fired a backhand pass across court to again break Monfils and increase his lead to 5-1. The Swede took the first set when Monfils’ backhand pass sailed long.
“I was extremely nervous before this match,” Soderling said. “I didn’t sleep much at all (last) night. I really wanted to do well today and I’m happy with the way I started the match.”
