It took Richard little more than two hours to win his first round match in Brisbane against Jarko Nieminen 6-3 4-6 6-4.
Saving three breakpoints while using his own opportunities efficiently, Richard won the first set 6-3 despite a poor serve percentage. He seemed to have the match under control, when Nieminen lost his serve in the fifth game. However, the Finn was able to rebreak immediately. Richard lost the plot towards the end of the second set, conceding it 4-6.Nieminen tried to force things in the third set, which did not work out. Richard was 4-0 up quickly. Though he had to give one break back, he could use his advantage to serve out the match 6-4.
His next opponent is the winner of Qualifier/Melzer.
