Richard lost his third round match against Fernando Gonzalez 6-3 6-3 6-7 2-6 10-12.
Richard stormed through the first set with aggressive tennis to win it 6-3. He continued in this vein and was two breaks up in the second set. Even if he had to concede one rebreak, he won the set comfortably 6-3. The third set was tougher. There were indications that Richard was hampered by his shoulder and Gonzalez managed a break twice, but Richard fought back and took the set into a breaker. He had match point, though on Gonzalez' serve. A close return in the net and the chance was gone.
After Gonzalez had won the breaker, he rushed through the forth set 6-2, while Richard needed help from the physio, both for his shoulder and the right toe. But in the deciding set, he mustered up all his courage again. Winning his games generally easier than Gonzalez, he looked as if he had the upper hand. But unfortunately he could not convert his numerous breakpoints and had to concede defeat 10-12.
It was a great match in which both players scored the same number of points.
