Thiem, the 2018 Roland Garros runner-up, took advantage of his high-quality serves to snatch four games in a row before building a commanding 5-1 lead, but the home favorite regrouped and responded by winning three games in a row. Then Thiem steadied his nerves for a 6-4 first set win with an ace.

The Austrian was well on track to victory with five games in hand in the second set. Although Simon triumphed the following two games, Thiem managed to convert his second match point at 6-2.

Thiem controls his own destiny at No. 8 in the ATP Race to London, while Kei Nishikori and John Isner, two chasers for ATP Finals spots, also marched through Wednesday's match.

Nishikori overcame Adrian Mannarino of France 7-5, 6-4. Isner beat Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan 6-3, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (1).

For a chance to qualify for the Finals, Nishikori needs to reach the semifinals and Isner must advance to the final at the Paris Masters.

Defending champion Jack Sock saw off French veteran Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-3, seeing no Frenchman through the singles second round.

Other prominent names like Alexander Zverev, Kevin Anderson and Grigor Dimitrov also secured their berths in Thursday's round of 16.

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