author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev wins!

Andrey Rublev wins the match 6-2 7-5!

Rublev wraps up the match with his 11th ace. Full credit to the 22-year old as he played his best match in weeks as he was flawless for most of the contest. 200 ranking points and a win to end an outstanding 2020 for the Russian as he a lot to look forward to 2021.

Thiem had nothing to play for, but still turned in a very poor (by his standards) performance. He'll need to up his level back to where he was earlier in the week as he faces either Alexander Zverev or Novak Djokovic on Saturday.

This is John Lupo saying to stay with VAVEL for continuing coverage of the ATP Finals as my colleague Jakub Bobro will take you through the winner-take-all match between Rafael Nadal and defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas.

I'll be back with you tomorrow morning for that pivotal Zverev-Djokovic match. Until then, so long and take care everyone.

November 19, 2020 10:41 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev breaks!

Thiem 2-6 5-6 *Rublev

On his fourth break chance, Rublev regains the break advantage after Thiem volleys wide and the Russian will serve for the match.

November 19, 2020 10:34 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev holds

*Thiem 2-6 5-5 Rublev

A love hold gets the seventh seed back on track.

November 19, 2020 10:33 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Thiem on the verge of the set

Thiem 2-6 5-4 *Rublev

Eight straight points won puts Thiem a game away from levelling the match.

November 19, 2020 10:32 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Thiem breaks back!

*Thiem 2-6 4-4 Rublev

First sign of nerves as the Russian hits a pair of unforced errors to surrender his lead.

November 19, 2020 10:31 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Thiem holds again

Thiem 2-6 3-4 *Rublev

And the world number three answers.

November 19, 2020 10:28 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev closing in

*Thiem 2-6 2-4 Rublev

A hold inside of a minute. This is all too easy for Rublev at the moment.

November 19, 2020 10:27 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Thiem stays in touch

Thiem 2-6 2-3 *Rublev

A comfortable hold for the Austrian.

November 19, 2020 10:26 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Russian consolidates his lead

*Thiem 2-6 1-3 Rublev

First sign of trouble for the Russian at 0-30, but he gets through the game. 

November 19, 2020 10:25 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev breaks!

Thiem 2-6 1-2 *Rublev

The longest game of the match ends when Rublev fires off another winning passing shot on his third break chance. He's firmly in control of this contest now.

November 19, 2020 10:00 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev answers

*Thiem 2-6 1-1 Rublev

Nice point by the Russian as he steps up to knock off a volley winner to hold.

November 19, 2020 9:55 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Thiem holds

Thiem 2-6 1-0 *Rublev

Much better start for Thiem as he holds to 15 to begin the second set.

November 19, 2020 9:51 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev takes the lead

Andrey Rublev wins the first set 6-2!

By far the best set of tennis from the Russian all week. He's out in front.

November 19, 2020 9:47 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Thiem holds

Thiem 2-5 *Rublev

Double fault in that game doesn't deter Thiem and he'll force Rublev to serve out the first set.

November 19, 2020 9:43 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev a game away

*Thiem 1-5 Rublev 

A love hold puts the five-time titlist on the brink of taking the opening set.

November 19, 2020 9:40 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Thiem finally on the board

Thiem 1-4 *Rublev

A hold to 15 finally sees the US Open champion erase that 0 next to his name in the game column.

November 19, 2020 9:37 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev continues to roll

*Thiem 0-4 Rublev

More stunning play from the Russian as he consolidates his second break.

November 19, 2020 9:36 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev dominating

Thiem 0-3 *Rublev

Well, well, well. Rublev is now up a double break as he fires off another forehand past an onrushing Thiem. He's determined to end the year on a high note.

November 19, 2020 9:32 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev holds

*Thiem 0-2 Rublev

Easy as you like as the seventh seed holds to 15.

November 19, 2020 9:28 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev breaks

Thiem 0-1 *Rublev

The delay didn't last long and the Russian gets off to the perfect start, using his forehand to break the Group 2020 London winner.

November 19, 2020 9:25 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Match delayed

We are currently experiencing a delay as power has apparently gone out in the O2 Arena. Stay tuned for further updates.

November 19, 2020 9:19 AM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

How to watch Thiem vs Rublev live

The match will start at 9am Eastern time, 2pm London time and can be seen on the Tennis Channel. 

November 18, 2020 5:34 PM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Head-to-head

This is the fifth career meeting between Thiem and Rublev with the previous four meetings being split. 

The Austrian won the first two while the Russian has taken the last two, including in Vienna on his way to the title there. 

November 18, 2020 5:29 PM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Rublev eliminated

Conversely, the Russian has lost to Nadal in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 and a 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (7) defeat to Tsitsipas in which he held match point and was eliminated with that loss.

November 18, 2020 5:24 PM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Thiem in the semifinals

It's been a fine start to the ATP Finals for Thiem, who defeated defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6, 4-6, 6-3 and then clinched his spot in the semifinals after a brilliant 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) win over Rafael  Nadal.

November 18, 2020 5:19 PM ET
author
John LupoLive reporter

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to today's match between third seed Dominic Thiem and seventh seed Andrey Rublev.

My name is John Lupo and i'll be your host for this final round robin match for each player.

November 18, 2020 5:14 PM ET