Richard's great run in Rome was stopped by Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard won the semifinal 7-5 6-1.
Up to 5 all, Richard was the better player showing all the variation he is capabable of on a tennis court. But he could not convert his 4 braakpoints, while Nadal was able to capatalise on his first breakpoint. In the second set, Richard was not able to keep his level and the Spaniard raced away for a 6-1 victory.>p>Richard's next match is an exhibition in Paris on 20 May when he will play Fernando Verdasco, before atttacking Roland Garros.