Soderling can't shake Aussie jinx

Melbourne: Robin Soderling was left lamenting the return of his Australian Open jinx Monday after he was sent packing by unfancied Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in his latest dismal result.

Soderling's five-set exit, 1-6, 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, at the hands of the world number 46 extended a frustrating run at the first Grand Slam of the year for the Swede.

The 26-year-old was one of the top tips for the tournament after winning his warm-up tournament in Brisbane, and he went into Monday's match having not dropped a single set in his eight wins this year.

However, the shock defeat means he is yet to advance beyond the fourth round in six attempts here, after first-round failures in 2005, 2007 and 2010 and winning only one match in both of his two other appearances.

"I've struggled many times in this tournament," Soderling said. "And I think, I never had a good first month (of the year) in my career.

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"But still, I won a title and made it to the fourth round here. At least it's much better than the past years."

Soderling said he couldn't put his finger on why he struggles at the start of each season.

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Despite his impeccable recent form heading into the match, including his three successive straight sets wins to reach the fourth round, Soderling said he never felt in good touch in Melbourne.

"You know, I fight through three matches, which I'm very proud of, but I never felt that I played really well, which you need to, especially in a Grand Slam," he said. "There were no weapons today."

Soderling's powerful serve lacked its usual punch, and he said he struggled with the bright Australian sun.

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"I had some problems for a couple games with the sun," he said of his serve.

"It was tough to see, I tried to put it in a little bit safer. Of course, 130 kilometres (81 miles) per hour on the first serve is not great.

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"It's not something I'm proud of, but that's how it is."

Despite the early departure, Soderling said he still retained confidence in his ability to match it with the best.

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"I think all my victories in the past years give me a lot of confidence," he said. "I really show to myself that I can do well, I can win a lot of matches, and really compete for the Grand Slam tournaments, all the big tournaments."