Federer through to a 22 consecutive Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open

Flushing Meadow, New York —Robin Soderling brought the fight to Federer at Arthur Ashe late Wednesday night, but still ends up a statistic as Federer traipsed into his 22 consecutive Grand Slam semi-final with a 6-0, 6-2, 6-7(6), 7-6(6) win.

It seems there is never any shortage of numbers at stake when Federer stares down an opponent, and never more so than this season. The most prominent was winning his 15th major title to surpass Pete Sampras in the record books.

Other statistics of note after Wednesday’s quarterfinal against Robin Soderling: Federer’s record in Grand Slams against players outside the Top 5 is 124-0. (That is insane!)

Federer has only lost to three players in the majors – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Marat Safin.

Oh and he improved his undefeated record against Soderling to 12-0.

Speaking of his double-digit record against Soderling, another number of note, Federer has a perfect double-digit mark against four players – Nikolay Davydenko (12-0), Mikhail Youzhny (10-0), and Jarkko Nieminen (10-0). That is a 44-0 mark combined against this quartet.

Back to the staggering mark of 22 consecutive Grand Slam – Ivan Lendl used to hold the record at 10 straight. And he had something to say about it to ESPN:

“If you called me eight years ago and said ‘There will be a guy who comes along, and he’ll be in 21 straight Grand Slam semi-finals,’” Lendl said. ”Well, I would be looking for a polite way to end the conversation as quickly as possible because I’d be talking to somebody out of their mind.” Then he laughed again.

“It’s just ridiculous,” Lendl added. “There is no other way to say it. You can’t explain it to people, it’s just absurd.

“When you slow down and really think about it, it’s almost obscene.”

So, oh Lendl, don’t be so bum about! Tell us what you really think? What does it really say about F-E-D-E-R-E-R?

“It says,” Lendl mused, “how much better he is than anybody else.”

Simply put, a 22 consecutive Grand Slam semis mark (and still going mind you) is simply otherworldly. Who knows really how long this streak will continue, but you know what, whether you are a Federer fan or not, you have to bloody well tip your hat to him and more importantly, enjoy it while it lasts. Another player of his caliber may take his sweet time to come along.