Richard lost his first round match in Madrid to Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3 4-6 3-6.
The match began very late and was played under a closed roof. Gimeno-Traver started well and broke Richard in the third game. Richard could catch up for 3 all and broke himself at the next opportunity to take the set 6-3.A break was enough for the Spaniard to take the second set. In the third set Richard broke right at the start, but could not hold his advantage and was himself broken in the 6th game. He saved five match points, but could not prevent defeat.
He will play doubles with Jo Wilfried Tsonga tomorrow.
