Frances Wood is an English historian known for her writings on Chinese history, including Marco Polo, life in the Chinese treaty ports, and the First Emperor of China. She has argued in her 1995 book, Did Marco Polo go to China?, that the book of Marco Polo (Il Milione) is not the account of a single person, but is a collection of travellers' tales. On May 24 2012, she appeared on In Our Time on Radio Four, talking about Marco Polo.

Biography[link]

Wood was born in London in the late 1940s, and went to art school in Liverpool in 1967, before going to Newnham College, Cambridge University where she studied Chinese. She went to China to study Chinese in 1975–1976.^[1]

Wood is currently Curator of Chinese collections at the British Library in London, England.^[2] She is also a member of the Steering Committee of the International Dunhuang Project,^[3] and the editor of the Transactions of the Oriental Ceramic Society.^[2]

Bibliography[link]

• 1985 Chinese illustration. British Library. ISBN 978-0-7123-0053-7
• 1991 (with Norah M. Titley). Oriental Gardens. British Library. ISBN 978-0-7123-0239-5
• 1995. Did Marco Polo go to China?. Secker & Warburg. ISBN 978-0-436-20384-8
• 2000. Hand-grenade practice in Peking: my part in the Cultural Revolution. John Murray. ISBN 978-0-7195-5781-1
• 2000. No Dogs and Not Many Chinese: Treaty Port Life in China, 1843-1943. John Murray. ISBN 978-0-7195-6400-0
• 2002. The Silk Road: Two Thousand Years in the Heart of Asia. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-23786-5
• 2005. The Forbidden City. British Museum Press. ISBN 978-0-7141-2789-7
• 2007. The First Emperor of China. Profile Books. ISBN 978-1-84668-032-8
• 2008. China's First Emperor and His Terracotta Warriors. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 978-0-312-38112-7
• 2009. The Lure of China: Writers from Marco Polo to J. G. Ballard. Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-15436-8
• 2010 (with Mark Barnard). The Diamond Sutra: The Story of the World's Earliest Dated Printed Book. British Library. ISBN 978-0-7123-5090-7

References[link]

External links[link]

• Frances Wood on Desert Island Discs (broadcast 5 December 2010)

Rita Ora
Background information
Birth name	Rita Sahatçiu Ora
Born	(1990-11-26) November 26, 1990 (age 21) Pristina, SFR Yugoslavia (present day Kosovo[a])
Origin	West London, England, UK.[1]
Genres	R&B, pop, soul , smooth jazz
Occupations	Singer, songwriter, actress
Instruments	Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Roc Nation
Website	ritaora.com rocnation.com/ritaora

Rita Sahatçiu Ora (born 26 November 1990), better known as Rita Ora, is a British singer-songwriter and actress.^[2][3] In 2009, she appeared on the BBC's Eurovision: Your Country Needs You where she auditioned to be the British contestant for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009.^[1] Later in 2009, she signed to Roc Nation. Ora is of Kosovar Albanian ethnicity.

In 2012, Ora provided the vocals for DJ Fresh’s "Hot Right Now", which has been the fastest selling single in the UK of 2012.^[4] Ora's debut single, "R.I.P", topped the UK Singles Chart in May 2012.^[5] Ora will spend the summer 2012 opening concerts for Coldplay.^[6]

Biography[link]

Early life and career beginnings[link]

Rita Ora was born in Pristina, SFR Yugoslavia (now Kosovo^[a]) and moved to the United Kingdom the same year of her birth. She grew up in West London and attended St Cuthbert with St Matthias CE Primary School in Earls Court, following which she graduated from Sylvia Young Theatre School and then St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College. She began singing from a young age.^[7][8] In 2004, she appeared in the British film Spivs.^[9] She auditioned for Eurovision: Your Country Needs You on BBC One to be the British contestant for the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest^[1][10] but later withdrew from the competition after a few episodes as she did not feel ready.^[1]

In 2007, Ora had her first music release when she appeared on Craig David's track entitled "Awkward"^[11] and then again in 2008 on "Where's Your Love" featuring Tinchy Stryder, for which she also appears in the music video.^[12] Ora began singing in bars in and around London, and in 2009 a A&R told Roc Nation about Ora, a few days after Ora flew out to New York and met Jay Z.^[13] In 2009, Ora made a cameo on Jay-Z's video for "Young Forever" and "Over" by Drake. Ora caught the attention of Jay-Z and he signed her to Roc Nation, for which she was featured in a commercial for Roc Nation + Skullcandy Aviator Headphones.^[14][15]

2011–present: debut album[link]

Throughout 2011, Ora released viral videos of herself working on her debut album.^[16] On 14 December 2011, DJ Fresh and Ora released the music video for "Hot Right Now" on YouTube.^[17] The single was released on 12 February 2012 and reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.^[4]

On 24 February 2012, Ora visited New York's Z100 radio station alongside her Roc Nation label boss Jay-Z, to premiere "How We Do (Party)", her debut single and the lead single from her upcoming studio album. "How We Do (Party)" borrows its familiar refrain from The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Party and Bullshit".^[18]

She has been recording her first studio album for two years. will.i.am, Ester Dean, Drake, The-Dream, Kanye West and Stargate are all working with Ora on her debut album.^[19][20]

When speaking about the sound of the album and its concept, Ora said it "definitely has pop in it, but (...) you can hear influences of jazz in there, you can hear influences of Monica and Aaliyah, and then you can hear Gwen Stefani.”^[21] She has also stated the album will be influenced by her father's record colllection which, in addition to reggae, also includes such artists as Eric Clapton and B.B. King.^[22] She confirmed the tracks "Roc the Life", "Love at War", "Facemelt" and "Shine Ya Light" to be featured on her debut album.^{[23] [24]}

Her first solo record, "R.I.P." featuring Tinie Tempah, was released as her first UK single on 6 May 2012.^[25] The video directed by Emil Nava was recorded in Hackney, East London, and released on 4 April 2012.^[26] Produced by Chase & Status, the song debuted at the top of the UK Singles Chart, becoming her first solo UK number 1, and second overall.^[5] In May, Ora became a guest judge on the ninth series of the X Factor in the UK, with the auditions filmed at the O2 Arena, London.^[27] In summer 2012, Ora will be opening stadiums for Coldplay.^[6]

Artistry[link]

Influences[link]

Ora credits Gwen Stefani as her idol and biggest influence, saying in an interview “Do you know how much I love that woman? I love everything about her."^[13] Ora has also named Beyoncé as a major influence and a mentor, in addition to talking about her admiration at being able to have one of her idols, Beyoncé, give her feedback on her debut album.^[20] Her other musical influences include Aaliyah, India Arie, Christina Aguilera, Brandy, Monica, Madonna, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Vybz Kartel and Sade.^[13][28] Ora has mentioned her admiration for Rita Hayworth as an early inspiration for wanting to pursue an acting career.^[29]

For fashion inspirations, Ora also cites Gwen Stefani^[30] as her most influential style icon. In addition to Stefani, Ora has drawn great inspiration stylistically from Marilyn Monroe and Daphne Guinness through fashionable trends in both vintage clothing and retro wear.^[31][32]

Discography[link]

Singles[link]

As featured artist[link]

Guest appearances[link]

She has appeared in 2 songs of James Morrison's album Songs for You, Truths for Me as backing vocal

Music videos[link]

Cameo appearances[link]

Filmography[link]

Notes and references[link]

Notes:

References:

External links[link]

• Official website
• Information

Jessie J
Jessie J at the O2 Arena in London in 2011.
Background information
Birth name	Jessica Ellen Cornish
Also known as	Jessie J
Born	(1988-03-27) 27 March 1988 (age 24) Chadwell Heath, London, England, United Kingdom
Genres	pop, hip hop, R&B, dance-pop, soul
Years active	2005–present
Labels	Lava, Universal Republic, Island, Gut
Website	jessiejofficial.com

Jessica Ellen Cornish (born 27 March 1988), better known by her stage name Jessie J, is an English singer and songwriter. Born and raised in London, she studied at the BRIT School before signing with Gut Records and striking a songwriting deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing where she wrote for artists such as Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus.

Signed with Universal, Jessie J came to prominence following the release of her debut single "Do It Like a Dude" which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Charts. After scoring her first number one in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland and New Zealand with the song "Price Tag", she released her debut album Who You Are (2011) which charted at number two in the UK. Other releases from the album include "Nobody's Perfect", "Who's Laughing Now" and "Who You Are" which charted within the top 20 in the UK but the release of fifth single "Domino" spawned international chart success, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, and becoming her second UK number one. Aside from her musical career, Jessie J is currently a coach and mentor on television show The Voice UK.

Citing various influences, Jessie J is recognized for an unconventional musical and performance style^[1][2] that mixes her soul voice with contemporary R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences. Jessie J has garnered various awards and nominations for her contributions to the music industry, including the 2011 Critics' Choice BRIT Award and the BBC's Sound of 2011. As of April 2012, Jessie has sold over 11 million singles and 2.5 million records worldwide.^[3][4]

Early life[link]

Jessie J was born Jessica Ellen Cornish in Chadwell Heath, London,^[5] daughter of Stephen Cornish and Rose Cornish (née Archer). She was educated at Mayfield High School in the London Borough of Redbridge. She attended Colin's Performing Arts School and as an 11-year old-was cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End production of Whistle Down the Wind.^[6][7][8] Jessie has two sisters, who are five and seven years older than her, who were both head girls at school. Unlike her academic sisters, Cornish has stated she was "never really that good at anything". She said, "At school they were like 'oh, you're a Cornish girl' and they kind of expected me to be the same as my sisters. Give me something to draw or an outfit to pick for someone, or hair, make-up, acting, write a song, I'm fine with it, but anything to do with sums – it was never my thing." She also said she never based her intelligence on her exam results.^[9] She also said she was always good at singing and it was her "thing". At the age of 16 she began studying at the BRIT School and at 17 she joined a girl group named Soul Deep.^[10] She graduated in the class of 2006 along with singers Adele and Leona Lewis.^[11] At 18 she suffered a stroke.^[12]

Music career[link]

2006–2010: Career beginnings[link]

Jessie J was signed to Gut Records, recording an album for the label, but the company went bankrupt before any material was released.^[8][10] She then found success as a songwriter, gaining a Sony ATV publishing contract.^[13] She was also the support act for Cyndi Lauper during Lauper's UK dates of her 2008 Bring Ya To The Brink tour (Lauper invited J to join her on stage for the performances of "Girls Just Want To Have Fun"). Jessie has also written lyrics for artists such as Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus, including "Party in the U.S.A.".^[14][15] Jessie J was also part of a girl band, called Soul Deep, for two years, however she left due to thoughts that "it wasn't going anywhere". Despite people thinking that her first notoriety was through YouTube, Jessie was signed for four years before her first video was posted. Jessie first came to the attention of Lava Records when her publisher at Sony/ATV, Rich Christina, sent Lava president Jason Flom a link to her MySpace page, which the record executive loved.^[16] After seeing an impressive U.S. showcase, Lava was, along with several other labels, keen to sign the artist but progress was hampered by her management's insistence on, what Flom called, a "crazy deal", and their refusal to let Jessie speak to any labels directly.^[16] Despite this, Senior Director of A&R at Lava, Harinder Rana, made surreptitious efforts to meet Jessie on her own in winter of 2008. Later in the year a change in management to Sarah Stennett and Nadia Khan of Crown Music allowed record deal negotiations to take place. Jessie eventually signed with Lava as part of a joint venture with Universal Republic.^[16]

[edit] 2010–2012: Who You Are

Jessie J performing at a concert in New York City in 2011.

Jessie J began recording her debut studio album in 2006 and it was completed on 19 January 2011.^[17][18] She revealed that "Big White Room" would be on the album and was written from an experience she had when she was 11 years old, although she wrote the song at age 17, in hospital, where a ward mate, a little boy, died.^[19] Jessie J says the album's title track, "Who You Are", is one of her proudest creations, she said the song is a "positive role model for young people" and "I always say that I'm half-artist, half-therapist".^[19] In late 2010 Jessie J released her first single, "Do It Like a Dude" which was co-written with George Astasio, Tj Normandin, Jason Pebworth, Jon Shave, Kyle Abrahams and Peter Ighile. Originally, she wrote the song with Rihanna in mind because "Rude Boy" was released at the time, partly inspiring the song. She then sent the song to her label, Island Records, before sending it to Rihanna's management. Island insisted the song become Jessie J's first single.^[20] She wishes to perform the song with Rihanna at one point.^[21] The single gained positive reception from critics.^[22] The single charted at number two on the UK Singles Charts. Her follow-up single "Price Tag" was released in late January 2011. This was written by Jessie J, Lukasz Gottwald, Claude Kelly, and Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. and charted at number one in the top of the charts. "Price Tag" was released in the United States on 1 February 2011 and peaked at 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.^[23] "Price Tag" also charted at number-one in New Zealand and Ireland and is the most successful online video J has released. As of October 2011, the video has generated over 148 million views on Youtube and Vevo, making it the 22nd most viewed music video of all time.^[24][25] Her first American television appearance was as the musical guest on the 12 March 2011 episode of NBC's Saturday Night Live.^[26]

On 25 February 2011 her debut album, Who You Are, was released.^[27] The album first entered the charts on 6 March 2011 where it charted on the UK Album Charts at number two. The album charted into the top ten in a number of countries and number 11 in the United States.^[28] After the release she went on to release a third single from the album, "Nobody's Perfect".^[29] MTV reported that the single is, so far, only confirmed for release in the United Kingdom.^[30] The album's fourth single was "Who's Laughing Now". "Domino" was her second US single.^[31] The Dr. Luke-produced track was sent to mainstream radio on 6 September 2011.^[32] With the success of Who You Are in North America, Jessie was chosen to tour as the opening act for American pop artist Katy Perry's California Dreams Tour in 2011 but after she was unable to fully recover from her injuries during rehearsals she was forced to pull out under the doctor's orders.^[33] Jessie J served as the house artist at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, performing several of her original songs along with covers around commercial breaks.^[34]

James Morrison's third studio album, The Awakening features a collaboration with Jessie J called "Up", the song was released as a single on 4 December 2011. Jessie J re-released "Who You Are" on 9 November 2011, featuring the regular tracks plus "Domino" and two new songs. "Domino" became her first top 10 hit in the U.S., following the success of "Price Tag". The song also peaked at number 1 in January 2012 in the UK, before it was even officially released there.

[edit] 2012–present: Second studio album and The Voice

On 4 October 2011, Jessie announced that she will be one of four coaches for new BBC program, The Voice UK.^[35] The show was announced after the success of the US version, The Voice. It premiered in March 2012 on BBC One. It will be presented by Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates, with will.i.am (of The Black Eyed Peas), Tom Jones and Danny O'Donoghue (of The Script) joining Jessie on the coaching panel.^[36] The first stage of the competition, The Blind auditions, began in London on 18 January 2012 at the BBC Television Centre and finished filming on 22 January 2012. The winner will receive £100,000 and a record deal with Universal Republic. It was also reported that the 4 coaches recorded a cover of the Black Eyed Peas song, "I Gotta Feeling", and will release an accompanying music video to help promote the show.^[37]

On 31 January 2012, Jessie announced that she had begun recording for her second studio album.^[38] She also stated that she hopes to collaborate with many artists this year, possibly including some of her fellow coaches on The Voice.^[39] It was revealed that she has worked in the studio with Cee-Lo Green after he tweeted her on twitter. Jessie has also revealed on twitter that she has worked with Diane Warren as well as reuniting in the studio with her 'Price Tag' co-writer Claude Kelly.

Jessie will embark on her first arena tour in March 2013. Via microblogging website, Twitter, Jessie J confirmed the tour will be called Nice to Meet You Tour.^[40]

Personal life[link]

Jessie J performing at the 2011 The Big Chill, sitting on the "gilded throne" she used for performances while her foot was broken.

In early 2011 she suffered a panic attack on stage after she was forced to perform in the dark. "I did a gig recently and had a panic attack on stage," she told NOW. "The night was called 'Black Out' and I had to perform in the dark. I asked them to turn on the lights and they didn't. I was onstage in pitch black and, because I couldn't see anything, I started to panic. It was awful."^[41]

Jessie J is bisexual and stated in an interview on the "In Demand" radio show on 3 March 2011, "I've never denied it. Whoopie doo guys, yes, I've dated girls and I've dated boys – get over it."^[42][43] However, in April 2012 The Sun outed her as homosexual which she denied via Twitter, calling it a "yet another boring untrue story".^[44] According to The Guardian, Jessie J's sexuality is valuable to young teens, especially for young girls unsure of themselves because of their sexuality and identity, to feel "that this does happen and this is normal."^[45]

On 12 June 2011 at the Capital Radio Summertime Ball, Jessie ruptured several tendons in her foot during rehearsals, and performed her set the following day while sitting on a gilded throne.^[46] For her appearance at Glastonbury Festival 2011 on 25 June 2011, she performed on the throne again, claiming her physician had told her not to perform with her broken foot which would take six weeks to heal.^[47] Jessie J was scheduled to play at several festivals throughout the summer, however it was reported on 1 July 2011 that she would not be able to attend T in the Park, T4 On The Beach, Wembley:Orange, iTunes Festival, Lovebox and Oxegen due to the injuries to her foot. Jessie J personally tweeted before surgery; "Keep making nervous jokes with the doctor and he keeps looking at me blankly. Which is making me laugh even more. It's getting serious. I just took my nose stud out." Tweeting after the surgery, she wrote: "Can't keep tweeting. Still very dizzy and being sick. But I'm OK, I got through it." Her record label released an official statement on 30 June 2011 that under strict orders from her doctor, she will not be able to perform for a number of weeks so she can heal and recuperate properly.^[48] She returned to the concert circuit in late August, including sets at the V Festival^[49] and The Big Chill. For the 2011 VMA's she was still in a cast and using the throne to keep off it.

Jessie J confirmed on 2 August 2011 that she would be shaving her hair off for charity in 2012. Speaking via her official Twitter account she said: "It’s hair, It will grow back. Even if it takes 2 years, if it saves lives it’s worth it. Even if its 1 life that’s something."^[50]

‎Artistry and voice[link]

Jessie J performing at the Bournemouth International Centre in 2011.

Although she was first identified as a soul singer, she primarily records songs of contemporary R&B and pop music with hip-hop influences.

Music critic Matthew Perpetua of Pitchfork Media compared Jessie J to her peers Adele and Amy Winehouse, but suggested she was missing something: "Whereas Adele and Winehouse also have powerhouse voices, they fit into clear aesthetic niches and invest their songs with depth and humanity. Jessie J doesn't have even a fraction of their restraint." Perpetua added: "Her idea of showcasing her gift is to shoot for a blaring melisma on "Mamma Knows Best" that makes Christina Aguilera seem as subtle as Joni Mitchell by comparison."^[51]

Ailbhe Malone of the music magazine NME also recognized Cornish's "undeniably potent voice". However, she pointed out the possible "identity crisis" that might have been caused by Jessie's songwriter past: "This is an album of singles for other artists. There’s Rihanna Jessie (‘Do It...’), Perry Jessie (‘Abracadabra’), Pixie Jessie (‘Mamma Knows Best’), Ellie Jessie ('Big White Room')."^[52]

Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian shared her positive opinion about the singer, saying that "if any singer has the potential to be the British Katy Perry or Pink, with the accompanying millions of sales, it's her". Sullivan also complimented Cornish's attitude: "[Her songs] are delivered with a confidence that money can't buy."^[53]

Entertainment Weekly's music critic Adam Markovitz said of Jessie: "The 23-year-old Brit has all the tools, from a monster voice to an ear for hooks — she co-wrote Miley Cyrus' 'Party in the U.S.A.' — and a manic persona that's equal parts Katy Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, and Alice Cooper."^[54]

Discography[link]

• Who You Are (2011)

Concert tours[link]

Headlining

• Stand Up Tour (2011)
• Heartbeat Tour (2011-12)
• Nice To Meet You Tour (2013)

Filmography[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Jessie J

External links[link]

• Official website
• Jessie J discography at Discogs
• Jessie J's channel on YouTube
• Jessie J's BBC Sound of 2011 page at BBC Online

Robin Söderling

Full name	Robin Bo Carl Söderling
Country	Sweden
Residence	Monte Carlo, Monaco
Born	(1984-08-14) 14 August 1984 (age 27) Tibro, Sweden
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) [1]
Weight	87 kg (190 lb)
Turned pro	2001
Plays	Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Career prize money	$10,423,124
Singles
Career record	310–170 (65.00%)
Career titles	10
Highest ranking	No. 4 (15 November 2010)
Current ranking	No. 65 (21 May 2012)
Grand Slam Singles results
Australian Open	4R (2011)
French Open	F (2009, 2010)
Wimbledon	QF (2010)
US Open	QF (2009, 2010)
Other tournaments
Tour Finals	SF (2009)
Olympic Games	1R (2004, 2008)
Doubles
Career record	33–43
Career titles	1
Highest ranking	No. 109 (9 May 2009)
Last updated on: 22 December 2011.

Robin Bo Carl Söderling (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈrɔbɪn ˈsøːdəɭɪŋ]; born 14 August 1984 in Tibro) is a professional tennis player from Sweden who is currently ranked number 67 in the ATP rankings. Söderling reached successive French Open finals in 2009 and 2010. In both tournaments, he defeated the defending champion and number 1 seed en route to the final — Rafael Nadal in 2009 (becoming the first and, to date, only player to defeat Nadal at the French Open),^[2] and Roger Federer in 2010 (ending Federer's record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals).^[3] He has also won one Masters 1000 event, the 2010 Paris Masters.

Personal life[link]

Söderling speaks English, Swedish and a bit of German. His father Bo is a lawyer and mother Britt-Inger, a housewife. Söderling's sister, Sandra, is a teacher.^[4] He is engaged to Jenni Moström.^[5] The couple are expecting their first child in late-September 2012.

Juniors[link]

Söderling began playing tennis at the age of five. He made his first steps in international tennis in November 1998 in Luxembourg when at the age of 14 he played his first official junior tournament, losing the opening match to Fred Hemmes, Jr. In his first full year in the junior tour (2000), he achieved four tournament victories and in 2001 attained three more titles in the juniors including the Orange Bowl. In the same year Söderling achieved fourth place in the year-end ranking and played in his first ATP tournament in Stockholm, winning his first match 6–3 6–3 against Ramón Delgado.

Professional career[link]

2002–2004[link]

Söderling tried to break into the men's circuit in 2002, playing five more ATP tournaments and the second round of the US Open. In the Challenger circuit he achieved a 16–8 record, and he played in the US Open Junior tournament where he reached the final. In 2003 the transition to the main tour was completed as he reached the third round at Wimbledon (coming from the qualifying rounds) and reached an ATP final in Stockholm (losing a decisive tie-break there), earning the year-end ranking of 86. Robin's first ATP title came in 2004 at the Lyon where he beat Belgian Xavier Malisse in the final. He also made the final at Marseille. By the end of the year, Söderling climbed into the world's top 50 in the rankings.

2005–2007[link]

Söderling suffered his first serious injury in 2005, eventually resulting in a knee operation in March. But even though not fit to play many tournaments, he managed to win another title – in Milan (defeating Radek Štěpánek in the final). After a mediocre and injury troubled season from there on, Söderling reached the third round in the US Open before going through another surgery.

Returning in 2006, he bounced back from 100th place in the Indesit ATP rankings to top 50 within three months, even though knee and shoulder injuries still prevented him from playing at his best. He helped the Swedish team with two wins to keep its World Group Davis Cup spot in a play-off in Brazil. During this he earned sufficient ATP points to finish at a career-high place of 25.

In 2007 Söderling made it to the round of 32 at Wimbledon, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in a five-set match. He caused much controversy on the court when he exchanged mocking behaviour with Nadal, tugging on his shorts in the manner Nadal is known for after growing tired of Nadal's slow play at the beginning of the 5th.^[6]

Söderling did not make it to an ATP final for the first time in five years in 2007, however he turned out consistent results throughout the year. He missed the last 3 months of the main tour due to a left wrist injury. Söderling missed the Australian Open due to injury. The first tournament he entered in 2008 was the Open 13 Marseille, where he reached the quarterfinals. He then reached the final of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament (Rotterdam), finishing runner-up to Michaël Llodra in the final, 7–6, 2–3, 6–3. The next week he reached another final at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis, U.S. He beat top seed Andy Roddick in the tournament along the way to the final. However he lost another final in two weeks as he finished runner-up to unseeded Steve Darcis, 6–3, 7–6.

2008[link]

At the 2008 World Team Cup in Düsseldorf on clay, he was undefeated in four singles and four doubles matches. He became only the third player in history of that event to accomplish that feat since John McEnroe in 1984 and Fernando González in 2003. Winning all of his matches there, he led the Swedish team to victory.

In late May he reached the 3rd round in the French Open where he lost against home player Julien Benneteau. At Wimbledon, he lost to Roger Federer in the round of 64 in three straight sets. After disappointing results in both the Beijing Olympics and the US Open, Söderling decided to break up with his trainer Peter Carlsson. He took on former Swedish world number 2 Magnus Norman as support until he appointed a new trainer. With the help of Norman, Robin reached his third final of the year in his native Sweden at Stockholm, but lost to David Nalbandian in a tough match (2–6, 7–5, 3–6). Three weeks later Söderling finally clinched a final win for his first title in 3 years, and the second on the particular venue, at the Lyon tournament, defeating Julien Benneteau in three sets (6–3, 6–7, 6–1). On his way to the final he recorded wins over top seed Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals, as well as the French number one Gilles Simon in the semi, both ranked in the top 10 ATP South African Airways ranking. With that, Söderling himself climbed as high as no. 18 in the rankings, a new career best. He finished the year with a career high ranking of no. 17. On 4 November he announced that Magnus Norman would be his trainer starting right after his vacation.

2009[link]

With his new coach, Söderling started the 2009 ATP World Tour at the 2009 Brisbane International. He lost in the quarterfinals against Radek Štěpánek, who eventually won the tournament. Söderling then participated in the 2009 Heineken Open where he lost in the semifinals against Juan Martín del Potro, again losing to the eventual champion. He was seeded 16th at the 2009 Australian Open and lost to an unseeded Marcos Baghdatis in the second round.

Söderling became the first Swede to reach the French Open final since his coach Magnus Norman in 2000.

He then entered the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event, losing to Nicolás Lapentti 4–6, 6–7(7) in the second round. Despite playing well and winning the challenger Sunrise, Söderling suffered from injuries mixed with poor results for over two months. He finally won consecutive matches for the first time on the ATP tour since the 2009 Australian Open at the Rome Masters, before falling to World No. 1 Rafael Nadal in a controversial match 1–6, 0–6 in the third round.^[7][8] Following another third round exit at the Madrid Masters against Roger Federer, Söderling next competed at the ARAG World Team Cup in Düsseldorf, as part of the Swedish contingent. Although Sweden did not win, Söderling defeated Gilles Simon and Rainer Schüttler, the latter 6–0, 6–0.

At the 2009 French Open, Söderling, seeded 23, reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time after defeating Kevin Kim, Denis Istomin, and David Ferrer. This set up a match with four-time defending champion Rafael Nadal.^[9] He scored the biggest upset of the year beating Nadal and ending his record 31-match winning streak at Roland Garros.^[10] Women's tennis legend Martina Navratilova described the match as one of the greatest upsets in tennis history. His 6–2, 6–7(2), 6–4, 7–6(2) victory over the reigning World No. 1 made Söderling the first and, as of 2012, only person to beat Nadal at the French Open, and also only person to beat Nadal in a best of five-set match on clay. Two days later, facing number 10 seed and two-time semifinalist Nikolay Davydenko, Söderling won 6–1, 6–3, 6–1 to reach his maiden major semifinal.^[11] Söderling made his first Grand Slam final, beating Fernando González 6–3, 7–5, 5–7, 4–6, 6–4^[12][13] after having been down 0–30 and 1–4 in the final set, then reeling off the final five games of the set and match. Söderling lost the final to Federer 1–6, 6–7(1), 4–6; however, his ranking was elevated to 12th in the world, a career high.

Söderling was seeded 13th at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships, his next event. He reached the fourth round for the first time in his career, defeating Gilles Müller, Marcel Granollers, and Nicolás Almagro on the way there. Söderling set up another match with Federer, a five-time champion at Wimbledon; though Federer defeated him again, 6–4, 7–6(5), 7–6(5), Söderling was only broken once in the match.^[14]

After Wimbledon, Söderling returned to his native country to play at the 2009 Collector Swedish Open. As the number two seed, he received a first round bye. He defeated Kristof Vliegen 6–2, 6–3 in the second round, and won his quarterfinal match against Nicolás Almagro 7–5, 6–3. Söderling reached the final by defeating fellow countryman, Andreas Vinciguerra, 6–1, 7–6(6). There, he beat Juan Mónaco 6–3, 7–6(4) for the title, becoming the first Swede since his coach Magnus Norman (in 2000) to win the singles title at the Swedish Open. This was Söderling's first outdoor title, as well as his first title on a surface other than indoor hardcourt. As a result of his win, Söderling moved up to 11th in the world.

Söderling then participated in the 2009 International German Open but lost in the third round to Nicolás Almagro. This was Söderling's first loss to a player other than Federer since the Rome Masters in late April, where he lost to Rafael Nadal.

Moving over to the U.S hardcourt season, Söderling started at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic but had to pull out in the quarterfinals due to an elbow injury which forced Söderling to withdraw from the 2009 Rogers Cup as well. Returning to the scene at 2009 Cincinnati Masters, he lost in the first round to Lleyton Hewitt.

Söderling was seeded No.12 at the 2009 US Open and advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time at Flushing Meadows after defeating notable opponents such as Albert Montañés, Marcel Granollers, in form American No.22 seed Sam Querrey and No.8 seed Nikolay Davydenko. En route to the quarterfinals, Söderling had a bit of luck on the fact that two of his opponents retired, including the Russian, who retired when Söderling led 7–5, 3–6, 6–2. Söderling went on to face five-time defending champion and No.1 seed Roger Federer for the fourth time this year (three of them in a Grand Slam event). Söderling was defeated by Federer 0–6, 3–6, 7–6(6), 6–7(6). This was the second time in the pair's 12 meetings that Söderling took a set against Federer. In Davis Cup Playoffs, he helped a 3–2 win over Romania and a chance for Sweden to compete in the 2010 Davis Cup by clinching a 7–5, 6–1, 6–0 victory over world #28 Victor Hănescu.

After US Open, he reached the semifinals in both 2009 Malaysian Open and 2009 China Open before the Shanghai Masters where he officially made it into the top 10 for the first time, notably beating fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6–3, 6–3. However, he was upset in the quarterfinals by Feliciano López 6–7(4), 3–6. Söderling was the No. 1 seed at the Stockholm Open but due to an elbow injury had to retire in the semifinals. Though not a serious injury, Söderling retired from the 2009 Valencia Open 500 tournament as well. At the moment no.9 on the ATP Race, Söderling needed a big performance in 2009 BNP Paribas Masters to reach the ATP World Tour Finals.^[15] He started strong against Ivo Karlović, winning in straight sets, 6–4, 7–6(6), and beat sixth seed Davydenko in the third round, 6–3, 3–6, 6–4. Söderling lost his chance of qualifying to the ATP World Tour Finals when No. 3 seed Novak Djokovic was too strong in the quarterfinals and won in three sets, 6–4, 1–6, 6–3.

However, Söderling qualified as first reserve for the finals when American Andy Roddick withdrew due to an injury sustained in Shanghai. Söderling was drawn into a group comprising Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Nikolay Davydenko. He made an impressive start, beating Nadal in his first robin match 6–4 6–4. He followed that up with a 7–6(5) 6–1 win over Djokovic. He was then assured a place in the semi finals of this year-end championships. However, he lost to Nikolay Davydenko 6–7(4) 6–4 3–6 in his third and final round robin match. Despite this, he became the winner of his group (group B), and set up a semifinal clash with US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro who defeated him 6–7(1), 6–3, 7–6(3). Söderling finished the year ranked No. 8, a career best.

2010[link]

Söderling at the 2010 French Open

2010 proved to be Söderlings most successful year to date. He reached no. 4 in the world(career best) and finished the year as a top 5 player. He repeated last years success at Roland Garros by reaching a second successive final and winning his first Masters 1000 crown.

Söderling made his 2010 debut at the Capitala World Tennis Championship, an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. He started in the quarterfinals, defeating Stanislas Wawrinka, 7–6(4), 7–6(2). Söderling then came back from a set and break down to defeat Roger Federer 6–7(6), 7–6(1), 6–2. Although generally reported in the media as being the first time Söderling had defeated Federer in 13 attempts, as an exhibition it remains an unofficial match that does not count on record. Söderling faced Rafael Nadal in the final, but was defeated 6–7(3), 5–7.^[16]

Söderling then headed to Chennai, India to participate in the 2010 Aircel Chennai Open where he was the first seed but lost in the first round to American Robby Ginepri.

Robin Söderling was seeded eighth but lost in the first round of the 2010 Australian Open to unseeded Spaniard Marcel Granollers 7–5, 6–2, 4–6, 4–6, 2–6.^[17]

Söderling received a wildcard to the 2010 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament and was seeded third. He won his first ATP match of the year defeating Florent Serra 4–6, 6–4, 6–1 in the first round and went on to win the tournament, when, leading 6–4, 2–0 against Mikhail Youzhny, Youzhny retired with a hamstring injury, becoming Söderling's biggest tournament win (in terms of point size) until he won the Paris Masters later the same year.^[18]

Söderling was the first seed at the 2010 Open 13 in Marseille but lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Michaël Llodra 6–7(2), 4–6. He won both his singles ties against Argentina in 2010 Davis Cup, though Sweden lost eventually 3–2. Söderling was seeded sixth at the 2010 BNP Paribas Open, losing in the semifinals to seventh seed Andy Roddick after a three-set match, 4–6, 6–3, 3–6.^[19] Seeded fifth in the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open, Söderling was once again eliminated in the semifinals, this time by Tomáš Berdych 2–6, 2–6.^[20]

After good results in the U.S, Robin returned to Europe for the clay court season but had to pull out of 2010 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters due to an overstrained knee.^[21] His clay court season got under way at the 2010 Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell where he reached the final after impressive victories over the likes of Juan Ignacio Chela, Feliciano López, Eduardo Schwank and Thiemo de Bakker. He fell to fifth seed Fernando Verdasco in three sets.^[22]

Söderling had a dip in form after poor results in both 2010 Internazionali BNL d'Italia and 2010 Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open winning just one match against Paolo Lorenzi in Rome. His final tournament before Roland Garros was 2010 Open de Nice Côte d'Azur where he was the first seed. There, after receiving bye in the first round, he fell in the second round as Olivier Rochus upset the Swede 6–2, 4–6, 4–6.

Söderling was seeded 5th at the 2010 French Open where he defeated Federer for the first time in his career in a tour-level match. Söderling's victory snapped Federer's streak of 24 consecutive semifinal appearances in Grand Slam tournaments and marked the second consecutive year that Söderling defeated the defending French Open champion. In the semifinals, he defeated the number 15 seed Tomáš Berdych 6–3, 3–6, 5–7, 6–3, 6–3 to reach his second consecutive French Open final.^[23][24] By this win, Söderling guaranteed himself a career-high ranking of 6. Söderling faced Rafael Nadal in the final and could not stop the Spaniard as he fell 4–6, 2–6, 4–6.^[25]

After another successful run at Roland Garros, Söderling entered the 2010 Wimbledon Championships as the sixth seed where he lost, in the quarterfinals, to eventual champion Rafael Nadal 6–3, 3–6, 6–7(4), 1–6.^[26] Despite the loss, he guaranteed himself a career-high world number 5 ranking for the first time.

Returning to his native country for the first time since the Davis Cup tie in March, Söderling was seeded top at the 2010 Swedish Open; a tournament that he won the previous year. He lost in the final against Nicolás Almagro in the final, 5–7, 6–3, 2–6.^[27]

After a three week hiatus from competition, Söderling started off his U.S hardcourt season with the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event 2010 Rogers Cup where he was seeded fifth, but was defeated by Argentine David Nalbandian 6–4, 4–6, 1–6 in the third round.^[28]

At the 2010 Western & Southern Financial Group Masters, Söderling was again the fifth seed and received a bye into the second round where he defeated Lleyton Hewitt 4–6, 6–3, 7–5. He lost in the third round to Andy Roddick.

Entering the final Grand Slam event of the year, Söderling was seeded 5th at the 2010 US Open. He defeated qualifier Andreas Haider-Maurer in a tough five set opening round. In the second round, Söderling beat Taylor Dent with ease 6–2, 6–2, 6–4.^[29] He then played Thiemo de Bakker in the third round, and won comfortably in straight sets 6–2, 6–3, 6–3. He came through Albert Montañés in four sets to set up a quarterfinal showdown with Roger Federer, but could not stop the Swiss maestro as he lost 4–6, 4–6, 5–7 in tough conditions.^[30] He then went back to Sweden to compete in the 2010 Davis Cup, where Sweden retained their World Group status as they outmatched Italy.

Traveling to Asia for the Asian swing, Söderling had three quarterfinal showings. First at the 2010 Proton Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur, and then at the 2010 China Open in Beijing. He competed in Shanghai for the 2010 Shanghai Rolex Masters 1000, where he maintained his consistency, beating Janko Tipsarević 6–3, 7–6(5), and David Ferrer 7–5, 6–4. He lost to Federer in the quarterfinals 1–6, 1–6.

Back in Stockholm, competing at the 2010 If Stockholm Open, he reached the quarterfinals after bowing out to eventual runner up Florian Mayer. Though a disappointing week for the Swede, he ensured his place in the ATP World Tour Finals as he became the 5th player to qualify.^[31]

After a semifinal spot in Valencia, Söderling traveled to Paris to compete at the 2010 BNP Paribas Masters. Receiving a bye to the 2nd round, Söderling defeated Gilles Simon 6–4, 6–0. Up next was Stanislas Wawrinka, 7–6(3), 6–3. In the quarterfinals, Söderling won over Andy Roddick, also in straight sets 7–5, 6–4.^[32] Söderling then saved three match points in beating Michaël Llodra to reach his first Masters 1000 final, and won the championship by defeating Gaël Monfils (who had also saved match points in his semi-final against Roger Federer) in the final 6–1, 7–6(1). He became the first Swedish player to win Paris since Thomas Enqvist in 1996, and the first Swedish winner of a Masters 1000 since Enqvist won Cincinnati in 2000. With the win, he ensured a career high ranking of No.4 by overtaking Andy Murray.^[33]

Söderling's final tournament of the year was at the 2010 ATP World Tour Finals where he failed to progress through the group stage, winning one match against David Ferrer and losing to Andy Murray and Roger Federer.^[34] He finished the year as world no.5, a career best.

Söderling and coach Magnus Norman decided on 1 December 2010 that they will not continue their collaboration.^[35] Robin Söderling announced in early December 2010 that his new coach was to be Claudio Pistolesi.^[36]

2011[link]

He started 2011 with a new coach Claudio Pistolesi at his side, he finished third at the exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Söderlings first ATP World Tour tournament of the year was Brisbane International where he defeated Ryan Harrison, Michael Berrer, Matthew Ebden and Radek Štěpánek en route to the final. Söderling went on to win the tournament without dropping a set and only broken once, winning against Andy Roddick 6–3, 7–5 in the final. This elevated his ranking to No. 4 in the world, improving his seeding for the Australian Open.^[37]

Söderling reached the fourth round at the 2011 Australian Open, a career best. As the fourth seed, he made his way to that without dropping a set, before being defeated in five sets by the unseeded Alexandr Dolgopolov.^[38]

Returning to Europe, he competed at the 2011 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. As the first seed and defending champion, he successfully defended his title by defeating Robin Haase 6–3, 6–2, Philipp Kohlschreiber 6–3, 5–7, 7–6(7), Mikhail Youzhny 6–4, 7–6(5), Viktor Troicki 7–5, 6–4 and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final 6–3, 3–6, 6–3. This was Söderling's second title of the year and eighth of his career. This also marked the first time he defended a title.^[39]

After success in Rotterdam, he traveled to Marseille for the 2011 Open 13. As the first seed, he defeated Nicolas Mahut, Michaël Llodra and Dmitry Tursunov en route to a second final in two weeks. There he faced Marin Čilić and after losing the first set, he came back, eventually winning 6–7(8), 6–3, 6–3. This was Söderling's third title of the year and ninth of his career.^[40]

After helping Sweden win the Davis Cup tie against Russia, Söderling had a dip in form spanning from early March to the beginning of May, only getting past the third round once in four events. Due to the lack of form, Söderling opted to split with his coach Claudio Pistolesi, only five months in on the partnership.^[41][42] Days later, Fredrik Rosengren was appointed new coach of Söderling.^[43]

At the 2011 Mutua Madrid Open, Soderling saw off Santiago Giraldo and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to set up a quarterfinal matchup with Roger Federer which he lost 7–6(2) 6–4.

In the first round of the 2011 Rome Masters, Soderling survived a scare as he saved 3 match points en route to defeating Fernando Verdasco 2–6 7–5 6–4.^[44] After winning 6–3, 3–6, 6–4 against Nicolas Almagro,^[45] he faced Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals which he lost 6–3, 6–0.

At the 2011 French Open, Soderling (seeded fifth) beat Ryan Harrison in the first round 6–1, 6–7 (5–7), 6–3, 7–5. Harrison was up 5–4 in the fourth set, within one game of forcing a fifth and deciding set, but ceded the final three games, the fourth set, and ultimately the match to Söderling. Söderling then plowed through Albert Ramos, Leonardo Mayer and Gilles Simon without losing a set to land himself a quarterfinal showdown with world no 1 Rafael Nadal. Söderling's hopes of repeating his 2009 upset of the Spaniard proved futile, as he was swept off the course in straight sets.

At the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, Söderling (seeded fifth) defeated Philipp Petzschner of Germany in the first round, coming up against one-time Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt in the second. Hewitt won the first two sets (7–6, 6–3), but Söderling fought back, snatched a couple of well-timed service breaks, ultimately going through to the third round after winning the last three sets 7–5, 6–4, 6–4. In the third round, however, Robin Söderling, troubled by a bad stomach, lost to Bernard Tomic of Australia 1–6, 4–6, 5–7.

After Wimbledon, Söderling announced that he would not take part in Sweden's Davis Cup fixture against reigning champions Serbia, preparing instead for the 2011 Swedish Open. He did not drop a single set in the entire tournament. En route defeating world no. 8 Tomas Berdych in the semifinal 6–1, 6–0, and went on to defeat David Ferrer in the final 6–2, 6–2, bagging his fourth title of the year.

Due to a wrist injury, Söderling was forced to withdraw from the back-to-back hard court Masters tournaments, in Montreal and Cincinnati. He was also diagnosed with mononucleosis, an illness that forced him to withdraw from the U.S. Open at the last minute. He had been slated to play Louk Sorensen of Ireland in the first round.^[46] With the illness continuing to hamper his progress, he decided to take yet more time out, withdrawing for the rest of the season and including the 2012 Australian Open ^[47]

Due to his affliction of mononucleosis, Söderling only managed to play 14 tournaments and finished the year with a 38-9 W-L record, four titles and ranked no.13 in the world.

2012[link]

Due to his ongoing recovery from illness, Söderling announced that he would miss the start of the 2012 season, including the 2012 Australian Open.^[48] He remained absent for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the first Masters tournament of the year. ^[49] As of May 2012, he has yet to play an ATP World Tour match. ^[50] Soderling does not know when he will return but he said he will miss the French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympics.^[51]

Playing style and equipment[link]

Söderling's type of game has been described as "brutal". He is known for his competitive drive and powerful game, hitting accurate hard ground strokes. His serve is heavy and it can reach speeds of over 225 km/h (140 mph);^[52] although it can sometimes lack precision, leading him to struggle against strong returners like Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. He can overpower most of his opponents and possesses a very good return game.^[53] His two-handed backhand is solid and dependable, while the forehand is regarded as one of the most lethal in today's game.^[54] Most of his success has come on faster surfaces (hard courts and indoor carpet), although his best Grand Slam results have occurred at the French Open; this is thought to be due to the heavy conditions and slowness of the clay which allow him more time to set up his powerful shots.^[55] Many people have praised Söderling for his game, saying he is a Grand Slam contender and stable top tenner,^[56] though his mental strength and lack of consistency in his game have been his weaknesses.^[57] But in recent years, his mental strength has improved considerably and this has raised the consistency of his game; much of this has been attributed to the influence of his previous coach, former world #2 and 2000 French Open finalist Magnus Norman.^[54] Söderling wears Lotto clothing and recently switched from the Head YOUTEK Radical Midplus racquet to the Head Youtek IG Prestige Midplus.^[5][58][59]

Career Statistics[link]

References[link]