ABU DHABI // Spectators at Zayed Sports City Tennis Complex today will witness a repeat of the French Open final as Robin Soderling takes on Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the Capitala World Tennis Championship.
The Swede set up the scintillating semi-final showdown after beating the world No 1's Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2) last night.
Soderling, ranked No 8 in the world, has never beaten Federer in 12 attempts, but is getting gradually closer faced him in the past three grand slams.
Beaten in straight sets in the final at Roland Garros and the last 16 at Wimbledon, Soderling took a set from the 15-time major winner at the US Open in New York in September.
"Against Roger it is tough because he handles ever aspect of the game so well," said Soderling.
"That is why he is the best player in the world, and probably the greatest player of all time. There is little point in having tactics against him.
"I know I need to serve well and take my chances.
"Even though he is a great player, I think I will always get a few chances and when I get them I know I must take them."
The 25-year-old player is adamant that every time the two meet he improves as a player and believes Abu Dhabi can bring out the best in him.
"The more times he has beaten me, the closer I am getting to a win," said Soderling. "I have come close a few times and each time we meet I feel like I am learning something. For me, it is perfect to play him here because I can learn so much from competing against him. It would be a great feeling to beat Roger. I beat Rafa in France when he was No 1 and it always feels great to beat the world No 1. But I know I will need to be at my best."
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
The Comeback: Elvis And The Story Of The 68 Special
Simon Goddard
Omnibus Press
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
3%20Body%20Problem
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: CVT
Power: 170bhp
Torque: 220Nm
Price: Dh98,900
The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
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The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
The%20specs
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RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES
September 30
South Africa v Australia
Argentina v New Zealand
October 7
South Africa v New Zealand
Argentina v Australia
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SPECS
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
FULL%20FIGHT%20CARD
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MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5