At 5-5, third set BP, Richard missed a close backhand return. That one would have changed it all. But what ifs are useless. Richard lost a very tight and good quality match to Juan-Martin del Potro 3-6
6-4 5-7.
The first set was shaky. Richard's serve did not click and that was good enough for a solid del Potro to win it 6-3. In the second set, Richard improved considerably. A high quality set of tennis from both players, was decided by a break from Richard in the forth game. In the third set, Richard seemed to have the upper hand, and when he had two breakpoints at 5 all, he seemed on the road to victory. But that famous backhand return went out and del Potro could clinch the game. Unfortunately Richard's last service game was mediocre and del Potro took the win 6-3 4-6 7-5.
According to newspaper reports, Richard is scheduled to play Moscow next week, but he is not in the draw.