No, no, it’s not that I forgot to post an entry on Soderling’s win over Nadal.

But how many people were predicting that Davydenko, off the strength of his beatdown of Fernando Verdasco, was on a crash course to meet Roger Federer in the finals? (Will H., I’m talking to you! :)). Former number 4 in the world, Nikolay Davydenko, diffused the mighty Fernando Verdasco, the guy who pushed Nadal to the limits at the Australian Open. When Davydenko won handily, everyone figured, here’s a guy who has been to the semis of the French twice. This might be his time.

He’ll be the one to take advantage of Nadal’s loss. Davydenko would reach his first final and take advantage of the gift that Soderling gave. Right?

But Soderling is the gift that keeps on giving.

Of all the people that Soderling has played that’s left in Nadal’s half of the draw, Davydenko is the one guy Soderling has a winning record against. And this includes twice on clay. And this was back when Davydenko was ranked number 4. Soderling didn’t have to worry, as other players might, that he would be intimidated by the Russian.

And it wasn’t even close.

Not even.

Soderling banged his way to a 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 win over Davydenko.

And that’s rare. You don’t expect a huge upset to be followed by an easy win. If anything, the euphoria of a big upset usually leads to a sobering loss.

Now, Soderling plays either Murray or Gonzalez. Soderling has beaten both, but Gonzalez has won their most recent meetings, admittedly on faster surfaces. Still, Soderling in the final doesn’t look so crazy now.

Murray and Gonzalez play later today.