Frances Tiafoe ‘felt like Roger Federer’ in crunch Laver Cup win

Frances Tiafoe celebrates after defeating Daniil Medvedev at the 2024 Laver Cup
Frances Tiafoe celebrates his Laver Cup victory over Daniil Medvedev

Frances Tiafoe joked that he was “feeling like Roger Federer” towards the end of his victory over Daniil Medvedev at the Laver Cup.

After not playing on Friday, US star and Team World member Tiafoe opened up Day 2 of action against Team Europe’s Medvedev, who was also making his first appearance at the 2024 competition.

Former world No 1 Medvedev had won all five previous meetings between the two men and it looked as if he would maintain his spotless record when he moved a set up in Berlin.

But Tiafoe, recently a US Open semi-finalist, bounced back to take the second set and dominated the ensuing ten-point tiebreak in an impressive 3-6, 6-4, [10-5) victory over the Russian.

Tiafoe’s victory put Team World ahead after the scores were level at 2-2 following the opening day of action on Friday.

And, speaking following the impressive victory, admitted he felt like he was playing like the legendary Federer – the mastermind behind the team competition.

“I just started having fun, laughing with my team,” said Tiafoe. “Just having a bit of fun.

“I started really finding my rhythm. The courts here are much slower than I’m used to playing on, so it’s tough playing Daniil on this court.

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“But after the second set, midway through the second and in the tiebreak, I felt like I was Roger Federer, honestly.”

Swiss maestro Federer, the winner of 20 Grand Slam singles titles, appeared to back the American’s assertion, giving two thumbs up in response to the jovial comment.

Tiafoe will not be in action again on Saturday, with all eyes now on whether the former world No 10 will take to the court again on Sunday for what could be a crunch third and final day of action.

The 26-year-old is somewhat of a Laver Cup veteran, having appeared in five of the seven editions of the competition, including the inaugural event back in Prague seven years.

He is perhaps most remembered for his crucial role in the 2022 edition of the event, where he and Jack Sock ended Federer’s career by beating the Swiss and Rafael Nadal in a men’s double clash.

Later in the tournament, Tiafoe then picked up a significant win over Team Europe’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, which proved key in Team World lifting the title for the first time after four straight losses.

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