Richard defeated the Australian qualifier Matthew Ebden in the second round of Brisbane 6-3 6-4.
In a non-televised match on court 1, Richard took his chances in the 6th game of the first set, when he broke his opponent's serve to win the set 6-3.He continued in the same vein, breaking Ebden at the start of the second set. A poor service game thereafter equalled things, but at 4-4 Richard broke again. This time there was no wavering and he served out the match.
With 63 % first serves in, he improved considerably compared to his first round encounter. His next opponent is Andy Roddick.