The 2020 finalist Dominic Thiem’s Australian Open ended within the first spherical on Tuesday, with the previous world quantity three crashing out to fifth seed Andrey Rublev in a setback on his return from harm. While Russia’s Rublev held a transparent benefit by way of present rating, Thiem had a far larger Grand Slam pedigree because the US Open champion in 2020. He can also be a two-time finalist at Roland Garros. But the Austrian, ranked 98, was outplayed in 36 Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit) warmth as he continued his return from a wrist harm which stored him off court docket for 9 months throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Rublev banked a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win on John Cain Arena — his first of the 12 months after two defeats in warm-up occasions, with both Australia’s Max Purcell or Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori his subsequent opponent.

“First of all I’m happy that I was able to get through in straight sets. It was super hot today so happy I can save some energy for future matches,” mentioned Rublev, who reached the quarter-finals at Melbourne in 2021 and received 4 titles final 12 months.

“When you play against Dominic, it’s never easy.

“We are actually good mates and I do know he’s going by way of not straightforward instances, so I simply wish to want him all the very best to return again on the identical degree that he belongs as quick as potential.”

Thiem has proven encouraging indicators on his return to the tour, rising from exterior the highest 350 to breach the highest 100 this 12 months after semi-final runs final 12 months at Gstaad, Gijon and Antwerp.

It was a seventh assembly between the pair however their first at a Grand Slam, with Rublev now main 5-2.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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