Roger Federer loses season opener to Robin Soderling

World number one Roger Federer lost his opening match of 2010 as he crashed out of the Abu Dhabi World Challenge to Robin Soderling.
Federer won the first set on a hard-fought tie-break before Soderling came back to claim his first ever career victory over the Swiss player in a 6-7(6) 7-6(1) 6-2 triumph.

World number eight Soderling - who lost to Federer in the final of last year's French Open - was thrillled to have beaten Federer at the 13th time of asking.

"I always said the more times I play him, the closer I'll get, and here I am today," he said.

"So far so good, but it's going to be a long season for sure, hopefully I'll get to play against Roger a few more times."

Federer reflected on a tough opening to 2010 season, saying: "Obviously it's hard to start playing against him but I had fun."

In the day's other match world number two Rafael Nadal got his year off to the perfect start with a straight-sets victory over compatriot David Ferrer.

Ferrer pushed the reigning Australian Open champion to a tie-break in the opening set, but Nadal powered through to complete a 7-6(3) 6-3 victory.