Richard has progressed through to the quarterfinals in Marseille with a straight sets win over countryman, Marc Gicquel 7-6(2), 6-2.

On Friday, Richard will face Robin Soderling.

Richard had a slow start to the match against Gicquel. Gicquel was able to take an early break and held onto it, to serve for the set at 5-4. Richard clawed his way back into the match though, breaking Gicquel and forcing the first set into a tiebreak, which he took 7-2.

Richard carried the momentum through to the second set as he took the upperhand. At 4-2, Richard hit a trademark backhand cross court winner to help secure a double break. Serving for the match at 5-2, Richard's groundstrokes were powerful, and as Gicquel put his backhand long, victory was Richard's.

Richard commands a 2-0 head to head over Soderling, with both his wins coming in 2006. See Soderling's stats here

Allez Richard!