Robin Soderling has a 0-12 record against Roger Federer and yet the formidable Swede has no fear going into their quarter-final encounter at the French Open.
At that time, Soderling had not even bagged a single set against the World No 1. Now, he has.
It happened in New York when Soderling lost 6-0, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 in the quarter-finals of the US Open. The World No 5 even beat Federer even if only in an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi in January.
"I remember a few times I played against him when I came pretty close, especially one in Halle a couple years ago when I served and returned really well," Soderling said after seeing off Croatian 10th seed Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
"I think that's what you have to do against him, because of course he's the best player in the world.
"But even against him you will always get a few chances. Then you have to take them, because he won't give you any second opportunities."
Soderling, however, has been impressive so far, dismissing in ruthless fashion Cilic, claycourt specialist Albert Montanes and local favourite Laurent Recouderc.
Soderling believes his coach, former French Open finalist Magnus Norman, has been helping him become more consistent, a key quality on clay.
"We work together as a team. I think we did a really good job. I have many things to thank him for. He's been really helpful," he said.
Now that he has beaten Rafa, Soderling has no complex anymore, not even against Federer.
"It's very difficult, but it's not impossible, which I showed and which many other players showed in the past," he said.
Image: Roger Federer (right) greets Robin Soderling after winning the French Open final last year
Robin Soderling top seed at Chennai open
Federer breezes past Soderling
Spotted: Rafael Nadal in Chennai
Murray beats Cilic to reach Australian Open final
Somdev qualifies for Legg Mason Classic