Bjorn Borg believes Swedish compatriot Robin Soderling can go on to lift the French Open trophy after beating Rafael Nadal.

The world number 25 caused one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history by seeing off defending champion Nadal in four sets.

The Spaniard, who had never been beaten at Roland Garros before, was aiming to clinch his fifth successive French Open title but fell 6-2 6-7 (2/7) 6-4 7-6 (7/2) in the fourth-round encounter.

Eleven-time grand slam winner Borg, who was himself a six-time winner in Paris, believes this could be the start of the something special for Soderling.

"If you can beat Nadal on clay in Paris, you can beat anyone," Borg told Swedish newspaper Expressen.

"I really hope the Swedish people understand what an achievement this is.

"He has put himself in the frame to become a regular top 10 player. There was just a little extra needed.

"Now I think he might have found that as there's no greater feat in the tennis world right now.

"I think he can win the French Open. I really hope he succeeds.

"This is what Swedish tennis needs, and I genuinely believe he can go all the way."