2009 French Open finalist Robin Soderling plans return to tennis in 2016

Former world No. 4 Robin Soderling is hoping to return to the ATP after a five-year absence due to severe glandular fever.

"I'm actually finally doing a lot better," Soderling said Sunday, "I wouldn't say I'm 100%, but not very far from it, which is a great feeling."

The Swede is remembered for beating Rafael Nadal in the fourth round of the 2009 French Open, and remains the only man to ever beat Nadal at Roland Garros. Soderling would go on to lose to Roger Federer in the final.

Despite such a long absence, Soderling is optimistic about being competitive in the future.

"My goal was to play a long career and to play until I was way over 30. If I can become healthy, I still feel that I have some good years in me. Look at the way the players on the tour are performing now at a high age - that gives me a little bit of hope."