Robin Soderling recovers to beat Hewitt in 5 sets

Robin Soderling recovered from two sets down to beat 2002 champion Lleyton Hewitt 6-7 (5), 3-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday in the second round at Wimbledon.

The fifth-seeded Swede was in deep trouble as Hewitt took the first two sets - pulling off a spectacular diving backhand winner to break for 5-3 in the second set.

Soderling used his reliable serve to work his way back into the match, which was played under the Centre Court because of the threat of rain. He broke in the last game of each of the last three sets to seal victory

When Hewitt netted a forehand to lose his serve at love in the final game, Soderling sank to his knees and clenched his fists.

"A player like Hewitt is not easy and I really showed I can play well against a good player on the big courts and turn around matches like this," Soderling said.

Soderling, a two-time French Open finalist, reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon for the first time last year, losing to eventual champion Rafael Nadal.