The Swiss second seed, braced himself to cope with mounting expectations after the shock exit of four time winner Rafael Nadal, took what was believed to be his best chance to crown in Paris.
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Roger Federer of Switzerland kisses the trophy in the awarding ceremony after winning the men's final against Robin Soderling of Sweden at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris on June 7, 2009 |
While playing without his usual composure, the No. 23 seed took credit for putting on a real fight in the second set in which he earned a tiebreak only to lose 7-1.
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Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a ball to Swedish player Robin Soderling during their French Open tennis men's final match at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris on June 7, 2009. |