6-1, 6-4

I don't feel at all disheartened.  I voted for a win in 3, but that was my heart not my head; I said when he won San Jose I wouldn't be surprised if he went out in the early rounds, but he battled through them.

He would not be human if he was not tired after the last week-and-a-bit. What really impresses me - and fills me with hope for the future - is how he didn't get down on himself, but battled bravely to the end.

Well done Andy.  You had to lose some time. Now get a bit of rest before Las Vegas!

BBC were quick. As soon as the scoreboard ticked to 6-4 i checked BBC and they had it flashing along.

Obviously it's a disapointing result but it's not a surprising one in the circumstances and certainly nothing for us to be too worried about.

Looking at previous winners of this tournament (Philippoussis, Carlsen, Roddick ) and some of the results we've seen this week, I think this is a fast surface that doesn't really suit Andy's game. The matches have been dominated by big serving and right now Andy's serve is just not at that level. In hindsight, and perhaps in future years, it would be better to play events on surfaces that give Andy a decent chance of winning.

San Jose was a slow court giving Andy time to display his talents. On a faster court the sort of tennis we saw from Fernando Gonzalez in Basle, or indeed, Ljubicic in Zagreb, is far more effective. I'm guessing Soderling went for big shots all the time. Andy's second serve sat up invitingly for him to take a swing and with such a low percentage of first serves in play Andy had little chance.

Going back to Zagreb, Andy was far too passive in his play even in the opening set that he won. Only good fortune, and a couple of errors at 30-30 from Ljubicic gave Andy the set. A fast court rewards players that go for their shots and those that hit huge first serves. Andy's approach is more measured; only rarely does he go for a winner early in the rally.

All credit to Soderling who really punished a poor serving display from Andy. His record indoors is impressive - far superior to his achievements outdoors. Though I must admit I thought Andy would do enough to win this match despite the worrying signs in the earlier rounds.

Let's hope Andy avoids the big servers in Indian Wells, which is regarded as the fastest of the hardcourt events in the states.