"I felt like I was Roger Federer": Frances Tiafoe stuns Medvedev in Laver Cup showdown

Frances Tiafoe surprised world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev at the Laver Cup, securing an important win for Team World at the start of the second day. The Russian had dominated their head-to-head record 5-0 and was the clear favourite, but he couldn’t close out the victory against an inspired Tiafoe, who said he felt “like Roger Federer” during the match.

The American triumphed 3-6, 6-4, 10-5, putting Team World ahead in the competition with a 4-2 lead (matches on the second day are worth two points). Tiafoe had the opportunity to take the lead in the fourth game but missed a volley at the net, squandering the chance for a break. Medvedev, who appeared shaky at the start, broke serve once, which was enough to secure the first set.

However, Tiafoe fought back to level the match. In the opening game of the second set, the world No. 16 secured a break, energising the crowd with his charismatic gestures: “It was crazy, I played pretty well there in that second set. I started having fun, laughing with my team, and I started really finding my rhythm,” Tiafoe commented after the match.

With the advantage of a break, Tiafoe took the second set and then showed more composure in the 10-point tie-break to claim victory. The 26-year-old later admitted that he felt like Federer on the court: “The courts are obviously slower than I'm used to, it's tough playing Daniil on this court. After the second set, midway through the second set and the tie-break, I felt like I was Roger Federer, honestly."

"I just had a lot more confidence in myself, I'm having a lot of fun playing the game at the moment. I'm just trying to play the right way and compete as hard as I can, and let the chips fall where they may,” Tiafoe added. “I respect everyone, but I’m not fearing anyone. When I'm having fun, I’m dangerous, and that’s what I’m doing right now.”