Queen, NY—-Frances Tiafoe delivered one of the biggest performances of his U.S. Open run Sunday, knocking out former champion Daniil Medvedev in straight sets and putting himself firmly in the conversation as a legitimate contender for the title.
Tiafoe, energized by a raucous crowd inside Louis Armstrong Stadium, defeated the 2021 U.S. Open champion 7-6(1), 6-4, 7-6(6) to reach the quarterfinals for the fourth time in his career.
The victory was particularly significant for Tiafoe, who had struggled against Medvedev throughout their previous meetings. The American entered Sunday having lost six of their seven previous ATP Head2Head encounters.
This time, however, Tiafoe controlled the biggest moments.
“What a match,” Tiafoe said. “Daniil has been so good and he has beaten me so many times. This is the first time I have beaten him in a regular match, so I am super pumped up about it.”
The 11th-seeded American played with tremendous energy from the opening ball, using his athleticism and aggressive shot-making to prevent Medvedev from settling into his typically methodical baseline game.
Tiafoe captured the opening-set tiebreaker decisively, 7-1, before breaking through in the second set to take command of the match.
Medvedev pushed back in the third, forcing another tiebreak and moving within a point of extending the contest when he took a 6-5 lead.
Tiafoe refused to blink.
Facing set point, he attacked with a powerful forehand before charging forward and producing quick hands at the net for a crucial volley. Moments later, he delivered a spectacular backhand passing shot while stretched wide to earn match point.
On his first opportunity to close it out, Tiafoe chased down one final forehand and pressured Medvedev into an error, sending the American crowd into a frenzy.
Tiafoe immediately raised both arms and soaked in the celebration.
For the American, Louis Armstrong Stadium has become a special setting. He improved to a perfect 10-0 on the court in his career.
“It has been amazing playing on this court, the energy man,” Tiafoe said. “It is like the people’s court. I am loving the energy for sure.”
The win also continued what has been an impressive stretch for Tiafoe. He reached the final at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournament last month before falling to Arthur Fils in three sets.
At the U.S. Open, Tiafoe has now won three consecutive matches without dropping a set after needing five sets to get past Martin Damm in his opening-round match.
The 28-year-old American will now face fellow countryman Alex Michelsen in the quarterfinals.
Michelsen punched his ticket to the final eight earlier Sunday by defeating Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-4. The victory marked the first time Michelsen has reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam.
The 22-year-old has been equally impressive in New York, advancing without dropping a set.
Michelsen’s breakthrough has also produced a significant jump in the rankings. Following his run, he climbed 13 spots to No. 33 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
He also became only the fourth American man this century to reach the U.S. Open quarterfinals before turning 23.
Now, Tiafoe and Michelsen will meet with a place in the semifinals on the line, guaranteeing that an American will continue deeper into the tournament.
For Tiafoe, however, the message from Sunday was clear: he is no longer simply hoping to make another deep run in New York.
He believes he can win the whole thing.
