The Swede had lost all 12 of his previous meetings with the current world number one, including a straight-sets defeat at last year's French Open final at Roland Garros in Paris.
His luck changed with the coming of the new decade, however, as he fought back from a set and a break down to book a place in the final of the six-man event against Rafael Nadal.
"I always said the more times I play him, the closer I'll get, and here I am today," Soderling, the world number eight, said on court.
"It's going to be a long season for sure. Hopefully, I'll get to play against Roger a few more times."
After two tie-breaks, Soderling cruised to a 6-2 victory in the third to make it to the title round in grand style.
Former world number one Nadal reached the final by comfortably winning an all-Spanish semifinal against David Ferrer 7-6, 6-3.
Published 01 January 2010, 17:16 IST