Andrey Rublev eased past former US Open Dominic Thiem to reach round two at the Australian Open.
The fifth seed produced a commanding performance against the Austrian, winning 6-3 6-4 6-2 in just over two hours.
Both players started the match strongly, with signs that one of the most eye-catching opening clashes would live up to expectation.
Thiem managed to keep Rublev on serve until a poor service game at 4-3 down. The Russian capitalised, taking his second break point opportunity and serving the set out for 6-3.
After failing to take a couple of break point chances early in set two, Thiem was visibly struggling, before taking a medical timeout citing an abdominal issue. He managed to stay close with Rublev, before being broken to go 5-4 down.
After the match, Rublev showed sympathy for his close friend Thiem, who is still on the comeback trail from wrist surgery.
‘I know that (Dominic’s) not going through an easy time so I want to wish him all the best to come back on the level that he belongs.’
Rublev took the second set 6-4 before coasting through the third 6-2. Thiem struggled to maintain full power behind his serve, which was a key part of his success before his injuries.
Thiem allayed any injury fears after the match, and remained upbeat about his trajectory over the last few months.
‘I was playing way worse than I was expecting, so it was a tough way back, but things changed. Especially towards Autumn, towards the last tournament of the year, ‘ Thiem remarked.
‘There I was playing pretty decent. This tournament doesn’t change anything because I just had a really tough opponent.’
Rublev next faces Max Purcell or Emil Ruusuvuori. He is still seeking his first Major semi-final.
