Richard defeated Paolo Lorenzi 7-6 6-3 6-3 and will play Gael Monfils next.
It started well, Richard broke the Italian in his first service game and looked comfortable on his way to win the first set. But Lorenzi broke back, took the match to a breaker in which he was even a minibreak up. Towards the end of the tiebreak, Richard showed what he is capable of, three direct winners brought him the first set.Richard's break point conversion rate had been poor until the 7th game of the second set, when he finally broke Lorenzi. The dam was broken and Richard sealed the second set with one more break 6-3.
Even if Richard had to confront a breakpoint at the start of the third set, it was clear sailing for Richard. He fended off that breakpoint and was never more in danger. Lorenzi had less and less to offer. Richard broke in the fourth game and hold this advantage comfortably to take the match 7-6 6-3 6-3.
