Robin Soderling beats Nikolay Davydenko in straight sets to reach ABN Amro final

Soderling beats Davydenko to reach ABN Amro final

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Robin Soderling upset second-seeded Nikolay Davydenko 7-6, (3) 6-4 Saturday and will attempt to become the first Swedish winner of the ABN Amro tournament in nearly two decades.

Anders Jarryd’s win in 1993 was Sweden’s last.

Davydenko fought back from 5-2 down to force a first set tiebreak, which went Soderling’s way after the Russian double-faulted. It was Soderling’s first career tiebreak win over Davydenko.

A break in the ninth game of the second set ensured victory for third-seeded Soderling, who lost the 2008 final to Michael Llodra.

“It’s always tough, he is the best returner on the whole tour,” Soderling said. “I very happy to beat one of the best players in the world.”

Soderling plays either top seed Novak Djokovic or 2007 champion Mikhail Youzhny in Sunday’s final. The two meet later Saturday.