Richard defeated his compatriote Gilles Simon 5-7 6-2 6-4 in the quarter finals of Dubai.
After a first set with break and rebreak when everyone expected a breaker, Richard played a very defensive service game to lose the first set 5-7. He was undisturbed and had already a breakpoint in the first game of the second set. In the third game, his much more agrressive game finally paid off and he went up 2*-1. Simon lost focus and got annoyed with himself while Richard was playing better and better. There were some amazing shots like a wonderful backhand smash.Though Simon regrouped in the third set, Richard got more and more the upper hand showing all his variety and finally realised the break at three all. There were some moments of concern, when he was break points down in his last service game, but huge serving got him out of trouble and he concluded the match on his first matchpoint. It was a good performance from Richard who looked very determined from start to finish.
He will Play Roger Federer tomorrow.
