Richard lost his 4th round match to Gael Monfils 4-6 5-7 5-7.
It was a poor start. Already in the third game, Richard lost his serve committing quite some unforced errors while being unable to deal with the Monfils-power. He slowly got his act together, but it was too late for the first set. And things looked even darker, when Gael broke Richard right at the start of the second set. As if had needed this alarming situation, Richard got more aggressive charging the net more than in his three previous matches together. From that moment on, it was a fascinating encounter, Richard attacking and Monfils defending. But in the end defense won and Gael took the set7-5.
Richard was unperturbed and continued in his vain, breaking at 3 all. But he could not serve out and missed his final chance to turn the tide, not converting further breakpoints in the 10th game. Gael used his chances in the next game helped by another DF from Richard at a crucial moment. The rest was a formality. The match ended 4.6 5-7 5-7.
Richard expressed his readiness to play Davis Cup in ten days, French DC-captain Guy Forget will announce the team tomorow.