Richard served nine aces, and had an overall 74% first serve percentage.

Both players came out playing some outstanding tennis, and Gasquet found it difficult to break through Soderling's serve, as the Swede hit many winners.

Gasquet had a 73% first serve percentage in the first set, and also supported his strong serving with some threatning ground strokes.

Both players had set point chances in the tie break, but it was Soderling who cracked under the pressure, as he served a double fault at 7-8 to help Gasquet take a one set lead.

Gasquet continued working hard and playng intelligent tennis in the second set and strolled to a 4-1 lead. Soderlng fought back effectively though to level the match at 4-4. Despite coming close, Gasquet could not break through the Soderling defences again and the second set was pushed to a tie break.

At 5-5 in the tie break, Richard played some very aggressive tennis, charging the net, and forcing an error out of Soderling to create a match point. The young Frenchman played a very classy match point, sending a beautiful backhand down the line and following it up with a winning volley, to take the match 7-6(7), 7-6(5).

After the match Richard commented,

"I served really well today which was the key to the match. I serve good. I play really good. I fight a lot. I’m really happy to be in final in Nottingham. It’s incredible for me, It’s the first time I’m winning Robin"

"I play better than last year, I have a lot of experience. I have won four matches." Richard stated.

Richard acknowledged that both Seppi and Bjorkman are fantastic players,

"It will be difficult if I play seppi or bjorkman "