Top-seeded Robin Soderling withdraws from Stockholm Open semifinals because of elbow injury

Soderling out of Stockholm Open with elbow injury

STOCKHOLM — Top-seeded Robin Soderling withdrew from the Stockholm Open semifinals Saturday because of an elbow injury, allowing Marcos Baghdatis to advance to the final against Olivier Rochus.

Rochus outlasted Tomaz Bellucci of Brazil 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3 to reach Sunday’s final at Royal Tennis Hall.

Soderling has been bothered by a sore right elbow since July, when he withdrew from the quarterfinals in Washington. He said he’s felt pain in the last few weeks.

“I had an MRI Tuesday and they told me that I have to rest two, three weeks to get well,” he said.

Soderling is vying for one of the two remaining spots for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London next month. He hasn’t decided if he’ll play upcoming tournaments in Valencia and Paris.

“I haven’t withdrawn from any tournaments so far,” Soderling said. “I’ll just wait and see and have more medical examinations.”

The 10th-ranked Swede, a surprising finalist in the French Open this year, was the only seeded player left in the tournament.

“I’m sorry for Robin first of all,” Baghdatis said. “It’s not easy to retire, especially when you’re playing at home. But obviously I’m happy to get through to the final.”

Baghdatis has not lost a set in his three matches. Ranked 66th, Baghdatis has won two career titles. He’s looking forward to playing his practice partner on Sunday.

“Rochus is playing great,” Baghdatis said. “He’s a good friend of mine and we’ve warmed up together every day this week. It’s nice to play a friend in the final.”

Rochus, ranked 87th, also has two career titles. He broke Bellucci’s serve twice in the decisive set to lead 4-0. Bellucci broke back twice, cutting the score to 5-3. But Rochus held his serve to close out the match, winning on his third match point.

“I played a good match,” he said. “I stayed positive and didn’t give up.”

Rochus has had a tough year following shoulder surgery.

“My ranking was down at 120,” he recalled. “To finish near the top 50 is incredible for me.”