No. 7 Soderling captures third career ATP singles title by winning Lyon event

After playing nearly three years without winning a title, Robin Soderling (pictured) ended that drought by winning the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon in France on Sunday by defeating Frenchman Julien Benneteau, 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1, to capture his third career ATP singles title. Due to his outstanding performance in France, Soderling will jump from No. 27 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings to a career high of around No. 18 or No. 19 when the rankings are released on Monday morning.

The 24-year-old Swede smashed 10 aces compared to the Frenchman’s seven aces, while also winning 53 of 64 first service points throughout the match. The seventh-seeded Swede, who captured his first career title in Lyon in 2004, was able to break serve four times while Benneteau was only successful breaking serve once.

Soderling becomes the first Swedish player to win an ATP singles title since former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson won the St. Petersburg Open on October 30, 2005. Since Johansson claimed the title in Russia, Swedish players have gone 0-7 in singles finals, including Soderling finishing as runner-up in Memphis in 2006, as well reaching the finals in Rotterdam, Memphis and Stockholm this season.

This week Soderling pulled off two impressive Top 10 wins, defeating No. 7 Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals in straight sets, then No. 10 Gilles Simon in the semifinals. Soderling improves to 44-20 on the season, including a 22-6 record on indoor courts.

“Lyon is a special place for me since I won my first title here in 2004. I think that I'm more consistent now than back then. I move better and my defense has improved as well,” said Soderling.

The 26-year-old Benneteau drops to 22-20 on the season, but will move up to roughly No. 46 in the rankings from his current No. 56 ranking. Benneteau, who defeating Soderling in the third round at this year’s French Open, was looking to claim his first career ATP singles title.

“If somebody told me at the beginning of the week that I would be losing the final in three sets I would have been more than happy,” said Benneteau. “But I'm still disappointed because it really could have been the perfect day for me today. Winning my first title in Lyon close to my hometown would have been unbelievable.”

Soderling earned a champions check for $115,500 (Euros) for his victory and will next travel to Paris to play in the BNP Paribas Masters where he will play French wild card entrant Josselin Ouanna in the opening round on Tuesday. Benneteau earned a finalist check for $62,400 (Euros) and will not be competing in Paris next week.