Soderling dumps defending champ Federer out of French Open

Defending champion Roger Federer suffered a stunning quarter-final exit at the French Open today when he lost 3-6 6-3 7-5 6-4 to Sweden's Robin Soderling in a rain-interrupted match on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The world number one crumbled in the face of a ferocious onslaught as Soderling, beaten by Federer in last year's final, claimed a first career win against the 16-times Grand Slam champion at the thirteenth attempt.

Federer looked comfortable when he won the first set, but the match then began to slip away from him.

Returning from a rain delay at 5-5 in the third set, the Swiss immediately lost his serve and Soderling moved into a two sets to one lead.

The Swede broke serve twice in the decider and never faltered as he clinched victory on his first match point when Federer hit a forehand long.