Richard defeated Kei Nishikori 7-6 7-6 in Kooyong. Richard remains undefeated against Nishikori.
There will be no real final, due to the wash-out on day 1. The match between Dolgopolov and Verdasco was "declared" as final as these two had lost fewer sets than Richard and Nishikori in their previous matches.Richard's next tournament is the Australian Open where he will face Carlos Berloq in the first round.
Richard had seven breakpoints in the first set, but Nishikori fended them off and the set went to a tiebreak in which Richard could impose himself 7-4.
From the middle of the second set onwards, one had the feeling that Richard was in a hurry, he hardly sat down during change-overs. Saving 5 breakpoints at 5-4* and hitting 7 forehand winners in that game, he still showed his determination, though. The set also went to a breaker and Richard won it 8-6 for a final 7-6 7-6 victory.
