Soderling out of Stockholm Open

Written by: Global Chick on 15th October 2011

Soderling out of Stockholm Open

Robin Soderling of Sweden returns to Bernard Tomic of Australia during their third round match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 25 June 2011. EPA/NEIL MUNNS |

Sweden’s top player and one of the drawcards for Stockholm Open Robin Soderling has pulled out of the tournament due to illness. Soderling has been suffering from mononucleosis since the US Open and is still suffering from the viral infection.

The World No. 6 has not played a tournament since he won the SkiStar Swedish Open. Soderling withdrew from the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 in Montreal with a wrist injury and later failed to make it on court at the US Open where he was diagnosed with Mono.

The 27-year-old left a message for his fans and followers on Facebook this morning:

“I’m extremely disappointed and sad right now. Playing in Stockholm is very special for me and it’s a title I still miss and dream about. I made an attempt to train, but my body just could not do it. I felt worse after practice and so had to make a tough decision to not play in Stockholm. I have to think long term and plan to play tennis for years to come. I believe the best days are in front of me. I will do everything I can to get through this difficult time and come back stronger and more motivated than ever.”

Tournament director and former Australian Open Champion Thomas Johansson said, “It doesn’t come as a surprise but of course it’s disappointing for his Swedish fans and for us. Your health is always the most important thing and we are looking forward to having Robin at the If Stockholm Open for many years to come.”