Paris ? His French Open reign suddenly over, his record streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals done, too, Roger Federer paused briefly as he trudged off court at dusk, acknowledging the fans’ applause with a polite smile and a quick wave.

Roger Federer waves as he walks off the court after being defeated by Robin Soderling during a French Open quarterfinal match Tuesday in Paris.

He’s certainly not used to bidding adieu so soon.

Bothered by the pouring rain and his big-hitting foe, the top-seeded Federer wasted a lead and plenty of openings Tuesday, succumbing to No. 5 Robin Soderling of Sweden, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4, in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. If Soderling’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he stunned four-time champion Rafael Nadal in the French Open’s fourth round last year, before losing to Federer in the final.

For the first time in six years, the men’s semifinals at a major tennis tournament will not involve 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer.

“They all come to an end at some stage. You hope they don’t happen, but they do. It was a great run,” Federer said, before injecting a little humor by adding with a wry smile: “Now I’ve got the quarterfinal streak going, I guess.”

Look at it this way: Federer had won 117 matches in a row — 117! — in the first five rounds at majors, dating to a loss to Gustavo Kuerten in the third round at the French Open on May 29, 2004 (Federer advanced twice when opponents withdrew).

“I mean, I respect everyone, but I’m always — how do you say? — I’m honest enough to myself that I know I can win them all,” said Federer, who would cede his No. 1 ranking if Nadal wins the title.

Among the many reasons why Tuesday’s result was so unexpected is that Federer was 12-0 against Soderling, having won 28 of the 30 sets they’d played.

NBA

LeBron: Cavs have edge

Cleveland — One month from the start of the NBA’s free agency frenzy, LeBron James said he’s not close to making any decision.

However, he has handicapped his field of suitors.

The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the pack.

In his first interview since the Cavs’ season ended with a shocking, second-round loss to Boston, James told CNN’s Larry King that Cleveland has “an edge” to re-sign him when the greatest collection of free agents in league history hits the open market on July 1.

Kings’ Evans cited, sorry

Sacramento, Calif. — Sacramento Kings point guard Tyreke Evans is apologizing with a tweet after being cited on suspicion of reckless driving in California.

Evans was cited and released by the California Highway Patrol on Monday. The air unit spotted the NBA’s Rookie of the Year driving a 2010 black Mercedes S550 at more than 100 mph on Interstate 80.

College football

Judge: Leach can sue Tech

Lubbock, Texas — Former Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach can move forward with a lawsuit claiming breach of contract over his firing, which followed allegations of player mistreatment, a judge ruled Tuesday.

State District Judge William C. Sowder struck down Texas Tech’s claim of sovereign immunity from the breach of conduct claim. But Sowder upheld the university’s sovereign immunity against the lawsuit’s other claims, which included libel, slander and violation of Texas’ Whistleblower Act.

Husker WR ticketed again

Lincoln, Neb. — Nebraska’s top receiver is suspected of committing his second alcohol-related offense in 14 months.

Lincoln police ticketed Niles Paul on suspicion of alcohol possession by a minor and urinating in public.

Police spokeswoman Katie Flood said an officer spotted the 20-year-old Paul urinating on a fence at 1:23 a.m. Friday. A preliminary breath test measured Paul’s blood-alcohol at .104.

Meyer’s pain diagnosed

Sandestin, Fla. — Florida coach Urban Meyer says chest pain that bothered him the last three years has been diagnosed as esophageal spasms.

Speaking at the Southeastern Conference’s annual spring meetings, Meyer says doctors have him on medication and he feels fine. He declined to discuss his health in further detail, but says his heart is completely healthy.

NFL

Not-so-Big Ben returns

Pittsburgh — A slimmed-down Ben Roethlisberger whistled practice passes to his receivers for the first time in five weeks, and a teammate didn’t need to watch video tape to know what he’d just seen.

“He’s been working hard at home,” defensive end Brett Keisel said. “He wants to be great this year. So, hopefully, he will (be).”

The two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback didn’t talk to reporters after practicing Tuesday for the first time since drawing a six-game suspension April 21 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

College basketball

SEC might tweak schedules

Sandestin, Fla. — The Southeastern Conference is considering tweaking its men’s basketball format.

The league is looking at possibly scrapping its divisions and putting all 12 teams together for the regular season. It also might keep the divisions and seed the teams Nos. 1 through 12 for the postseason tournament.

Women’s college hoops

Oregon State fires coach

Corvallis, Ore. — Oregon State has fired head women’s basketball coach LaVonda Wagner after several losing seasons and a recent player exodus. Wagner went 68-85 in five seasons as coach of the Beavers.

Colleges

OU letter end of probation

Norman, Okla. — University President David Boren sent a letter to the NCAA stating that Oklahoma’s athletic department conforms to the association’s rules, despite an investigation into potential violations by the men’s basketball program.

Boren sent the letter to the NCAA’s James Elworth last week as Oklahoma’s probation for major rules violations by the football and men’s basketball programs was set to expire.

Baseball

Jays trade P to Pirates

Pittsburgh — The Toronto Blue Jays traded struggling left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a minor-league reliever Tuesday.

The 26-year-old Eveland will be joining his fifth major-league team in the past five seasons. A former draft pick of Milwaukee, he was 3-4 with a 6.45 ERA in nine starts this season for Toronto.

Toronto acquired 23-year-old righty Ronald Uviedo from the Pirates.

Marlins sell perfect tickets

Miami– Sorry you weren’t there for Roy Halladay’s perfect game? You can be.

The Florida Marlins are putting tickets on sale for Halladay’s gem — as souvenirs, at face price. Buy one, and they’ll even count you in the official paid attendance.

Halladay pitched the Philadelphia Phillies over the Marlins on Saturday night. It was the 20th perfect game in major-league history.

Marlins president David Samson said Tuesday the team sold more than 3,000 tickets in the first four hours of the sale.