Contrary to other years, Richard started his new season in Chennai.
After an easy first round win against Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-1, 6-3, Richard seemd on the same track against the German Bjoern Phau, winning the first set 6-1. He looked in full control in the second set, but what seemed like a loss of concentration and determination, allowed Phau back into the set, which he took in the breaker. In the third set, Richard managed to get back an early break by Phau, but lost again in the tiebreak. Final score: 6-1 6-7 6-7.
His next tournament is Sydney.
