Fearless Frances Tiafoe powers Team World to a 4-2 lead | News | Laver Cup

Frances Tiafoe seized the first two points on offer on Saturday at Laver Cup Berlin 2024, posting a 3-6 6-4 10-5 upset over Daniil Medvedev to give Team World a 4-2 lead.

The American took an hour and 35 minutes to defeat the world No.5 on the iconic black court at Uber Arena. “It was crazy, I played pretty well there in that second set,” said Tiafoe. “Honestly, I just started having fun,” he added. “I started to find my rhythm … midway in the second [set] and in the tiebreak, I felt like I was Roger Federer, honestly,” joked Tiafoe, who smiled up at the 20-time Grand Slam champion in the stands.

“I respect everyone, but I’m just not fearing anyone at the moment,” said Tiafoe, who came tantalizingly close to upsetting Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon this year.

“When I’m having fun, I’m dangerous, and that’s what I’m doing right now.”

Tiafoe, who earned his first win over Medvedev in six attempts, created the first window of opportunity in the fourth game, but flubbed a backhand volley on break point as his higher-ranked opponent held for 2-2.

In the very next game, the 28-year-old Medvedev manufactured a pair of break point chances of his own, and converted the first by passing Tiafoe with a sensational backhand down the line.

Treating fans to brilliant shotmaking that elicited applause, whistles and collective gasps, the duo ground out a slew of points from the baseline, though Tiafoe regularly had success at the net, where he  won 28 of his 68 points.

Serving at 3-5, Tiafoe saved two set points before misfiring a forehand to hand Medvedev the opening set.

At the set tiebreak, Team World players huddled around Tiafoe in an attempt to encourage and energize their teammate. Refreshed, the American began to fire on all cylinders, first breaking Medvedev in the opening game and then consolidating for a 2-0 lead. Tiafoe soon had a break point for a 4-1 lead but was denied as Medvedev executed a crisp backhand volley that left the American wide-eyed. Locked in, Tiafoe held his focus to close out the set and force a deciding 10-point Laver Breaker.

Though the American snagged an early mini-break, Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, reeled it back, only for Tiafoe land a massive down-the-line forehand, consolidating for a 7-4 lead. A huge cross-court forehand return winner from the American put the match on his racquet at 8-5, and without being asked twice, he sealed the next two points and victory.

Tiafoe, contesting his fifth Laver Cup, said in an interview earlier this week that he’s developed a strong bond with Team World captain John McEnroe.

“He’s a big fan of mine, he wants to see me do well, he really wants to see me get over the hump,” said the American. “He’s giving his two cents [about] coming forward, loves everyone to-serve-and-volley,” said Tiafoe.

The right-hander said his favorite Laver Cup moment to date was clinching the title for the first time in London 2022, and that the tournament provided him with the best memory of his career: competing against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in doubles.

“Seeing him walk away from the game that night, seeing all the emotions from all of the greats, you had four of the best players of all the time [there],” he said.

The American was one set away from his first Grand Slam final earlier this month, and believes he can be the first of his peer group – which includes Team World teammates Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, as well as Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda — to break through first and claim a maiden major title.

“I’m not afraid to say it, that’s what I want to do,” said Tiafoe. “Why not me?”

“I really thought that was mine to have,” he added, reflecting on the grueling five-set semifinal at the US Open against Fritz, acknowledging that “trials and tribulations” are to be expected.

“It’s about how you look at the glass,” said the upbeat right-hander. “I’m back at 16 in the world, I think my best days are ahead of me and [if] I keep putting myself in that position, I’ll get it done.”