There were two Richards in Basel. A heroic fight against the tall American Isner, in which he saved two matchpoints to win 4-6 7-6 6-2. The next day a cruel defeat against the Swiss Chiudinelli 1-6 3-6.
Chiudinelli did well, but Richard seemed not in full posession of his means. He got ellbow treatment after the first set and while he did not quit, he looked never as determined as the day before. This was Richard's last tournament in 2009.
His fans wish him all the best for next week and are looking forward to a new start in 2010.
