Power Trumps Variety

Reuters

When the power merchant doesn't miss on the big moments, doesn't become overwhelmed by whatever situation he faces, he wins.

On any surface. Even in thick-as-pea-soup conditions.

The proof is in the result.

Roger Federer played well, but Robin Söderling did to this year's defending champion exactly what he did to last year's:

He hit him off the court with such relentless power and precision, Raja had no idea what hit him.

The only difference? The crowd wasn't at all rooting for the underdog to dethrone the champion.

Make of that what you will.

I, for one, will enjoy the top-half semifinal thoroughly, what with Tomas Berdych following up his dismantling of Andy Murray with a crushing victory over Mikhail Youzhny.

May the hardest hitter win.