“He deserves to win the title,” says Andrey Rublev after beating Dominic Thiem in straight sets


Andrey Rublev ended his career-best year on a high note after beating World No.3 Dominic Thiem in his final match of the ATP Finals tournament. Rublev defeated Thiem in straight sets 2-6, 5-7. The Russian won 5 titles in 2020 and entered the season-ending competition as the player with the most titles in 2020. Thiem, who qualified for the semifinals after winning against Rafael Nadal, looked out-of-place in this match.
Rublev suffered crushing losses in his previous two clashes at London. He suffered a straight-set defeat against Nadal and came very close to winning against Tsitsipas before losing the third-set tiebreaker.
I started well from the first return: Rublev

Andrey Rublev looked determined against Thiem. After coming so close to winning against Tsitsipas, Rublev looked to end his year with a victory. He easily won the first set, however, Thiem played some good shots in the second set to take the set right down the wire.
Speaking in the post-match interview, Rublev acknowledged his good performance saying, “I started well from the first return. I don’t think Domi started well and I took advantage from the beginning.”
Rublev also said, “In the end it was not easy for Domi but I think he is now focused on the semis and I wish him the best of luck,” noting that the Austrian was distracted due to his semifinal match.
Rublev went on to praise Thiem for his wonderful form throughout the year and at the tournament.
“He deserves to be where he is and he deserves to win the title, so we’ll see what will happen,” said the Russian.
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