Richard lost his first round match in Rotterdam against Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-3 6-7 (4) 3-6.
Both players served poorly in the first set, but Richard was in control and took the set with two breaks 6-3. In the second set, Richard and Paolo improved their serving, and while Richard was winning his early service games easily, the momentum switched towards the end of the set. Richard could catch up a break and take the set into a breaker which he lost 4-7. In the third set, Richard was a break up, but could not hold it, while Paolo managed to keep his break and win the set 6-3.
It is always hard to comment a match one could not see. Maybe Richard was still hampered by his shoulder, maybe Paolo played great, but it remains a tough loss.
Richard's next tournament is Marseille, starting on 16 February.
