Soderling beats Berdych in French semis

PARIS — Robin Soderling advanced to the French Open final Friday for the second year in a row by rallying past Tomas Berdych, 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.

The No. 5-seeded Soderling served 18 aces, overcame 63 unforced errors and swept the final four games of the 3½-hour match. It was only the fifth five-set win in the Swede's career.

Soderling has a knack for upsets at Roland Garros, with victories over Rafael Nadal last year and Roger Federer this year. On Sunday, Soderling will play the winner of the second semifinal between four-time champion Nadal and Jurgen Melzer.

Soderling's only other Grand Slam final was at the French Open last year, when he lost to Federer.