Robin Soderling claims third season title in HEAD-to-HEAD-final

HEAD hero Robin Soderling has emerged as the hottest racquet on the ATP this season after the Swede swung his way to his third trophy in four events so far in 2011. The 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 victory which handed Soderling the trophy in Marseille came at the expense of fellow HEAD racquet rebel Marin Cilic.

Soderling (YouTek Prestige MP) has set a personal best after his fighting win over Cilic, who plays with a YouTek Radical MP. Never in his career has Soderling won more than two titles - and he's already surpassed that total not even two full months into the year.

“It’s of course a very nice feeling," said Soderling, 17-1 on the season with his only loss coming at the Australian Open. "Winning three tournaments in four tries - his ninth title overall - is something I’ve never been close to before."

Soderling now owns titles from Brisbane, Rotterdam last week as well as Marseille. "It’s the best possible start. I’ve won many matches and only lost one, unfortunately in the fourth round in Melbourne. It’s a great start and I really hope it can continue this way."

The Swede had to stage a comeback to get past the dangerous Cilic after the Croatian won the first in a tiebreaker. Soderling broke twice in the second set before struggling briefly in the third as he sealed victory against a HEAD opponent who fired 16 aces.

“For a set and a half I was playing really well and in a high level," said Cilic. "I was able to stay with him physically and dictating the game. I was extremely happy with the performance I played.” To reach the final Cilic had to fight hard against the third HEAD racquet rebel in the semi-final, Mikhail Youzhny before he could win 6-2, 1-6, 7-5.

Stanislas Wawrinka (YouTek Prestige MP) showed a good performance in Buenos Aires where he reached the semi final round.

Double Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova reached the final at the Dubai Championships where she was finally beaten by No. seed Caroline Wozniacki. Kuznetsova improved her ranking from 23 to 13 and is eager to come back to the Top 10 very soon.