ARN News Centre

Thiem eases into second round at Australian Open

Monday, 8 February 2021 10:02

Dominic Thiem overcame an early wobble before overpowering Mikhail Kukushkin 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-3 to reach the second round of the Australian Open on Monday.

Third seed Thiem was broken twice in the first set and had to fight off a set point at 6-5 before rallying to take the tiebreak at Rod Laver Arena.

The Austrian, beaten in a five-set final by Novak Djokovic last year, found his rhythm and ended up racing to the finish, breaking Kukushkin to love to seal the match.

US Open champion Thiem will meet the winner of Dominik Koepfer and Hugo Dellien for a place in the third round.

More from Sport

Fils claims first ATP Masters title, Gauff clinches second Cincinnati crown

Arthur Fils has defeated Frances Tiafoe to secure his first ATP Masters 1000 title on Sunday, while Coco Gauff beat Jessica Pegula to win her second Cincinnati Open title.
Barcelona launch LaLiga title defence with five-star Elche demolition

Barcelona has begun their LaLiga title defence and bid for a third successive crown with a 5-0 victory at Elche on Sunday as Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scored twice each.
Torres double rescues point for PSG at Rennes in Ligue 1 opener

Ferran Torres has come off the bench to score a late double on his debut as Paris St Germain rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 with hosts Stade Rennais in their Ligue 1 season opener on Sunday.
F1 confirms Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will close 2026 season

Formula One will ⁠end the 2026 season in Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, reaffirming the championship’s commitment to the scheduled calendar.
Norris wins Dutch GP as Antonelli stretches his F1 lead

Lando Norris has given McLaren a third successive Dutch Grand Prix victory on Sunday in an intense race of shifting fortunes that had to be restarted after home hero Max Verstappen crashed on the opening lap.