Soderling beats Malisse to win Lyon Open
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-10-11 09:23

Sweden's Robin Soderling won his first ATP singles title, using a strong serve to defeat Belgium's Xavier Malisse 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 Sunday in the Lyon Open final.

Soderling previously lost finals in Stockholm, Sweden, and Marseille, France. Malisse has lost all six of his finals.

Soderling broke Malisse to take the opening set, but the Belgian opened a 4-0 lead and went on to take the second set. With Malisse rallying, Soderling made a decisive break and held serve at love to lead 4-2 in the third set.

Serving and up 5-4, Soderling hit an ace to set up match point. A brief rally followed, but Malisse netted a forehand to give Soderling the victory.

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