Key Takeaways
- Frances Tiafoe defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6(1) 6-4 7-6 in the fourth round of the US Open to improve to 10-0 on his favored stadium court.
- After an exhausting third-set tiebreak rally on Medvedev’s set point, Tiafoe held a 20-second pose and joked, “I’m tired as hell.”
- The American described the venue as “the people’s court” and urged the crowd forward as he reached the quarterfinals.
Electric atmosphere fuels a breakthrough victory in New York
Frances Tiafoe delivered another memorable performance in New York, securing his place in the quarterfinals with a straight-sets triumph over Daniil Medvedev. The American defeated Medvedev 7-6(1) 6-4 7-6 in the fourth round of the US Open, preserving his undefeated 10-0 record in the stadium. Speaking on court after the match, Tiafoe immediately acknowledged the electric crowd support when asked about his affection for the venue: “You hear the noise, Sam. You hear the noise.”
Reflecting on the relationship he has built with the New York spectators, Tiafoe was full of praise for the environment. “No, it’s been amazing, man, playing on this court. The energy’s been amazing,” he stated. Describing the setting as “the people’s court, man,” he added, “I’m loving it, man. I’m loving the energy, for sure.”
Surviving a dramatic third-set tiebreak
The decisive moments came late in the third set when Medvedev served while holding set point at 6-5 in the tiebreak. Tiafoe produced one of the most thrilling points of the tournament, holding a dramatic pose for roughly 20 seconds before resetting. When asked what crossed his mind during that prolonged celebration, Tiafoe honestly admitted, “I’m tired as hell.”
Tiafoe acknowledged his desire to catch his breath amid the roar of the arena: “I was trying to stay there as long as I can and milk it, but no, what a point.” The victory carried extra emotional weight for the American, who had struggled against Medvedev in their past meetings. “Daniil’s been so good. He’s beat me so many times. It’s the first time I beat him in a regular match, so super pumped up about it,” he explained.
Carrying summer momentum into the quarterfinals
Building on his strong run to the final in Cincinnati, Tiafoe continues to play aggressive, high-stakes tennis in Flushing Meadows. While he refrained from breaking down his tactical adjustments in fine detail, he noted that the mindset is paying dividends. “I don’t want to put any secrets out,” Tiafoe remarked playfully. “Everything’s going really good. I mean, I’m coming forward. I’m having fun. I’m playing aggressive. I’m playing to win. And I’m not shying away from the moment. You put all that together, here you go in the quarterfinals of the Open.”
Tiafoe also emphasized the personal significance of competing on home soil after months of travel across the tour. “It’s huge, man. I mean, we play so much outside of the States. Obviously, a lot of time in Europe. I mean, the sport’s so international. So, to be able to play in front of friends, family, loved ones is amazing,” he said, adding that “they don’t get to see you much. So, you want to put on a show.”
Looking ahead to his quarterfinal clash, the American made it clear that he is hungry for more success on the Grand Slam stage. “Ultimately, man, I’m just trying to win every match in front of me, man, and continue to have fun,” Tiafoe declared. “Just the quarterfinals, guys. Let’s go, man. Let’s do something special.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkr70c4Vhx4
ATP U.S. Open - Frances Tiafoe's projected path
Tiafoe at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently the world no.12, Tiafoe has an overall 42-16 win-loss record in 2026. The American is playing at the U.S. Open where he managed to beat the world no.90 Martin Damm 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3 6-4, the world no.157 Rei Sakamoto 6-3 7-6(2) 7-5, the world no.23 Valentin Vacherot 6-4 6-2 6-4 and the world no.8 Daniil Medvedev 7-6(1) 6-4 7-6.
Frances Tiafoe will face the world no.46 Alex Michelsen in the quarter. Their current record is 2-0 for Tiafoe.
Tiafoe has won 1 title in 2026 in Halle.
Tiafoe won 4 titles in his career: 1 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Daniil Medvedev in 2026
Currently ranked no.8, Daniil played his last match on the 6th of September when he was defeated by world no.12 Francis Tiafoe 7-6(1) 6-4 7-6 in the 4th round of the U.S. Open (draw).
At present, during this year Medvedev has a 34-17 win-loss record. Daniil conquered 2 titles in 2026 in Brisbane and Dubai.
Frances Tiafoe and Daniil Medvedev squared off 9 times. The head to head is 6-3 for Medvedev.
