Ruthless Medvedev Rolls Into US Open QFs
In a US Open with filled with epic matches and intriguing storylines, Daniil Medvedev is taking a drama-free path through the draw.
The third seed continued his stellar form on Monday by ending the run of Frances Tiafoe with a convincing 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 win. Medvedev grabbed the last eight games and took 17 of the last 20 points. He improved to 3-0 in their ATP Head2Head series.
”I was lucky enough to get the early break, relax a little bit and then I started playing amazing tennis after that,” Medvedev said on court after the match. “I’m playing better with every match and I hope this can continue. I’m pleased with the fact that I’ve won all of these sets and didn’t have to stay long on the court. That’s always good when you’re playing a Grand Slam.”
Medvedev is the only male quarter-finalist this year to reach the last eight without dropping a set. He’s only been broken three times in 51 service games this fortnight (94% held) and has been equally dominant when returning, converting 23 of 46 break points (50%). He improved to 12-3 in New York and has won 10 of his past 11 matches at this event.
Awaiting him in the quarter-finals is No. 10 seed and fellow Russian Andrey Rublev, who upset sixth seed Matteo Berrettini earlier in the day. Medvedev leads their ATP Head2Head series 2-0 after winning both of their matches last year in Cincinnati and St. Petersburg.
”He’s playing amazing this year and it’s really cool that we managed to be in the quarter-finals together. Of course, it would be better if we were playing a final,” Medvedev said. “On the court, there are no friends and he knows that also. We’re going to have a good match.”
The third seed grabbed a quick break at 1-1 in the opening set and never lost the lead from that moment, earning an insurance break at 4-2 with a running down-the-line forehand. Medvedev continued to keep his shots within inches of the baseline and denied Tiafoe a chance to dictate their baseline rallies. His lone blip came when he was broken serving for the set at 5-2, but he made good on his second chance for the early lead.
Tiafoe attempted to throw Medvedev off with a variety of spins and slices early in the second set. The American charged forward when that tactic didn't work, but struggled with his feel at the net. When Medvedev raced to a 4-0 lead with a delicate drop shot winner, Tiafoe smiled wryly at coach Wayne Ferreira and appeared to have accepted his fate.
The Russian scored his seventh break against Tiafoe to wrap up the match. Medvedev finished the night with 25 winners to 18 unforced errors.