After Richard's withdrawal from Monte Carlo, it was Barcelona where he started his clay season successfully, defeating Jan Hernych from the Czech Republic 4-6 6-3 6-2 in the first round.
A hesitating start cost Richard the first set. But with a break achieved at the beginning of the second, things went his way. Having to face no breakpoints in set 2 and 3, it became in the end a convincing victory. His next oppenent is Christoph Rochus from Belgium.