Richard defeated Marat Safin in his first round match of Dubai 6-3 5-7 6-3.
It started badly. Richard began on serve and had to face three breakpoints immediately. He saved them all, including two aces and became more stable when the set went on. One break was enough to seal the first set. Marat was not playing great, showing his usual tantrums. In the second set, Richard missed five breakpoints to finish the affair. Marat played much better, though, and used his first breakpoint to close out the set 7-5.
And while all commentators were predicting Richard's downfall, he broke immediately in the first game of the third set. From that moment on he was in command and control and dominated the match. Marat's serve kept him in the match a litttle longer, but at 5-3, Richard managed a second break and took the win.
His next opponent is Simone Bolelli.
