Popular underdog pick Soderling advances at US Open with four-set win over Montanes

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Soderling moves on; beats Montanes at US Open

NEW YORK — No. 5 Robin Soderling has advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, serving 15 aces in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 victory over 21st-seeded Albert Montanes.

Soderling, a popular dark-horse pick because of his past success against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, moved to the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows for the second straight year.

He beat Federer in the quarters of the French Open to end Fed’s record run of 23 straight semifinals in Grand Slam events. He is one of only two players with victories over both Federer and Nadal at Grand Slam events.

Against Montanes, Soderling only faced one break point against him — which Montanes converted to win the first set. Soderling dominated the next three sets, breaking Montanes five times.