Soderling clinches epic semi win at French Open

ROBIN Soderling is the tennis equivalent of a runaway train at the moment and with a thrilling five-set victory over Fernando Gonzalez he bulldozed is way ever closer to French Open glory.

UNSTOPPABLE:  Robin Soderling edges out Fernando Gonzalez in a dramtic five-set match in French Open semis

While known as a talented big-hitter before he arrived at Roland Garros, the 24-year-old was no household name.

That all changed when he wiped the floor with world number one, top seed and overwhelming favourite Rafael Nadal in the last 16 and Soderling has blazed a trail of destruction ever since.

He has now booked his place in his first ever Grand Slam final after completing a 6-3, 7-5, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 victory over the Chilean in three hours and 28 minutes.

Fresh from his straight sets demolition of Russia's Nikolay Davydenko in the last eight, Soderling romped into a two-set lead over Gonzalez - Andy Murray's conqueror.

The 23rd seed was powering winners from all over the court and Gonzalez cut a forlorn figure with his opponent overpowering him in the first two sets.

Soderling was on the brink of his first ever major final but a combination of nerves and Gonzalez finally rediscovering his booming forehand - so destructive against Murray - changed the tide.

The 29-year-old 12th seed grew in stature as the third set wore on and after finding his rhythm on serve, Gonzalez began blasting winners at will.

With two huge forehand passing shots at 6-5, he broke Soderling's serve and forced another set.

Soderling was rattled and in no time at all Gonzalez had leveled the scores at two sets apiece.

The decider began in typical electrifying fashion. With the wind in his sails Gonzalez raced into a 3-0 lead - it appeared Soderling's 15 minutes of fame were over.

But after the Chilean took a 4-1 lead, the Swede exploded into life and he found his range with a devastating forehand of his own to take the next five games and book a date with destiny on Sunday.

World number two Roger Federer takes on Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro in the other semi-final later today.