Before the match, Rchard had said that "to beat Robby, I have to play a perfect match". However last night's match was just one step too far for the French teenager who suffered from a persistent forearm problem.

After losing the first set, Gasquet did appear to have found his way despite treatment on his right arm between sets. He was hitting some amazing backhands for which John McEnroe thought the adjective "magnificent" would be an understatement. With this super play Richard took what appeared to be a commanding two sets to one lead, causing the American to get frustrated.

However as Richard's arm continued to bother him and Ginepri dug deep, the tide started to turn. Richard's level of play dropped as he struggled with a stomach upset as well and Ginepri took the fourth set 6-4. It all proved too much for Richard; with the crowd against him and all his injury worries he folded 6-0 in the third set, the USOpen.org site describing him as looking "withered and defeated".

It has been a great effort by Richard to reach this stage of the tournament, and to nearly progress further. It was his US Open debut, he has been struggling with a right arm injury and despite having played three five set matches here he had only ever played one before, which he lost. Well done Richard!