Richard defeated the American Michael Russell 6-3 6-4 6-2 and will play his compatriote Stéphane Robert in the second round of the US Open.
In the first set, Richard used a bad service game from Russell to go up 4-2, he hold this break, though he had some difficulties when serving for the set. In the second set, Richard could not break the American in his first service game despite six chances. Richard kept his calm and used the next opportunities for a double break lead 4*-1. A lapse in concentration and the declining serve from Richard, allowed Russell to get one break back, but that was not enough and the second set went to Richard 6-4. Richard's backhand was firing, 11 winners in this set alone, some with incredible angles.
Richard found his serve back in the third set (83 % first servs in) and Russell's resistance was gone. Richard won the final set 6-2.