Despite a tough loss to the world number two, Rafael Nadal, Richard showed he was more than ready to be part of the elite eight in tennis as he put up a 'master' effort.

Nadal came back from a set down though to defeated Richard 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Match report from Masters Cup website

Rafael Nadal took his first step towards the Tennis Masters Cup semifinals with a gritty three-set win Sunday over Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the first match of the 2007 circuit finale. Nadal rallied from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and extend his perfect record against Gasquet to 4-0.

Nadal was rocked in the first set as the Frenchman showed maturity and patience to keep his breathtaking - but high-risk - shotmaking in check. Gasquet earned a number of free points on his first serve and approached the net at opportune times to keep Nadal guessing.

Gasquet claimed the first break to go ahead 4-3. Having allowed Nadal to claw back from 0/40 to 30/40, Gasquet saw his chance slipping, but he responded with a classic down-the-line forehand winner on the run to clinch the break.