Maybe it was a case, of 'Davis Cup lag' for Beck, or perhaps, it was a mark of how far Richard has come this year, but infront of his home crowd, the number one ranked French player, comfortably defeated Karol Beck 6-4, 6-2.

This victory, sees Richard set up a clash, with fellow French star, Paul Henri Mathieu. They are scheduled to play as the second night match on Thursday, following Monfils-Clement. The Davis Cup team mates, Richard and Paul-Henri, have never played before in an ATP or Grand Slam event.