2020 US Open 4R - Frances Tiafoe [82] v Daniil Medvedev [5]

[Jokervich]

After Djokovic got disqualified, every match seems kind of boring now. Nevertheless I thought this match seemed intriguing because Tiafoe is much lower ranked than Medvedev but played well against him at the AO this year and plays with a lot of spirit on court. What do you think the result will be?

 

[James P]

I think there's a possibility this is a blowout. Frances certainly has the ability to take a set off of Daniil, just not so sure it'll happen.

 

[Jokervich]

I think there's a possibility this is a blowout. Frances certainly has the ability to take a set off of Daniil, just not so sure it'll happen.

Oh right lol. What is it about Tiafoe's game that is so much worse than Medvedev's?

 

[James P]

I've never been enamored with Tiafoe's game tbh. Very bizarre forehand. He has one of the ugliest strokes on the ATP. He has a nice back story and seems like an infectiously cheery fellow, so I wish him well, just don't think he's that good. Then again, he's in the 4R, so kudos to him.

 

[Hitman]

Going with Medvedev.

I would like to see Medvedev v Thiem.

 

[Meles]

After Djokovic got disqualified, every match seems kind of boring now. Nevertheless I thought this match seemed intriguing because Tiafoe is much lower ranked than Medvedev but played well against him at the AO this year and plays with a lot of spirit on court. What do you think the result will be?

With a crowd this would’ve been a riot as mighty show loves to do well in front of a crowd and yet MadbWeed loves to take down a home favorite against the crowd. With luck both players will realize this vibe is happening with TV viewers and will perform accordingly for a great match.

The way you take care of TFO is jam up his forehand and I’m not sure that the Mad Lad has got that fully in him for this match. The key for TFO will be to get a lot of Net play whether he’s at the net or drawing medly in with drop shots.

I also would not underestimate BLM fueling TFO. Should be a fascinating match.

 

[Meles]

I've never been enamored with Tiafoe's game tbh. Very bizarre forehand. He has one of the ugliest strokes on the ATP. He has a nice back story and seems like an infectiously cheery fellow, so I wish him well, just don't think he's that good. Then again, he's in the 4R, so kudos to him.

Agree 1000%, but we’re dealing with mighty show here and I think he matches up well with medley.

 

[Third Serve]

I really want that Medvedev-Thiem semifinal.

 

[Jokervich]

I've never been enamored with Tiafoe's game tbh. Very bizarre forehand. He has one of the ugliest strokes on the ATP. He has a nice back story and seems like an infectiously cheery fellow, so I wish him well, just don't think he's that good. Then again, he's in the 4R, so kudos to him.

Fair enough, thanks for your analysis

 

[bjsnider]

Wow, there are a lotta seeds in this tournament. Maybe I can somehow get seeded myself.

 

[Nostradamus]

Can Tiafoe win this match ?? He's been proven thru out his career that he sucks against retrieving pushers

 

[Open Stance]

Can Tiafoe win this match ?? He's been proven thru out his career that he sucks against retrieving pushers

Doubtful Tiafoe can win. As mentioned above, his forehand is very unorthodox with an extreme closed face on take back. Can lead to some hard shots and winners but also breaks down easy and leads to lots of errors. I also think Tiafoe does not construct points as well as other players but did look a little better in the last round. I do like his return of serve - something to watch for.

 

[Fed881981]

I went to the University of Maryland, College Park at the time that Francis was a kid practicing there. His father worked in maintenance. I would love to see him winning a slam, especially the US Open.

 

[Atennisone]

Loving Frances, but Medvedev has a greater shot at beating Zverev,.

 

[Nostradamus]

this is bad sign. Tiafoe wins one game and he is so happy,,, shaking his fist and yelling lets go.

 

[flyingboris]

Medvedev in a somewhat conservative returning position

 

[Open Stance]

Frances' forehand already breaking down.

 

[James P]

Tiafoe gonna get broken

 

[Jokervich]

damn already broken

 

[James P]

Yep, gonna be a short day at the office at this rate

 

[Open Stance]

Tiafoe needs to improve his serve, too. First serve is consistently <115 mph and second <90 mph.

 

[flyingboris]

Having watched several WTA matches today, the speed on these groundstrokes is like superhero stuff

 

[Terenigma]

Can't see anything but a straight sets win for Medvedev here, hoping he can get it done quickly. He's my pick for the title now Djokovic is out!

 

[James P]

Med is gonna break him again here. Break his spirit.

 

[flyingboris]

Tiafoe aiming straight at Medvedev, somehow gets lobbed perfectly

 

[Open Stance]

Man, Tiafoe has no chance spinning in his first serve at 102 and his second at 72. Yikes.

 

[James P]

Med is gonna break him again here. Break his spirit.

Double break up...serving for first set

 

[flyingboris]

What a FH DTL by Medvedev to break for the second time. Impressive stuff.

 

[bigjimbofan]

What's the story with the middle finger that Taifo apparently gave Medevedev ?

 

[Open Stance]

Maybe Fowler and McEnroe should give Tiafoe credit for breaking Medvedev. He actually has an excellent return game when playing well.

 

[Open Stance]

Rekindling the cold war?

 

[flyingboris]

I cannot f***ing believe that the commentators just talked right over Tiafoe breaking back. These guys are the worst.

 

[AM75]

Medvedev already choking.

 

[Open Stance]

I cannot f***ing believe that the commentators just talked right over Tiafoe breaking back. These guys are the worst.

McEnroe is having a hard time understanding why Tiafoe fell behind. All he has to do is look at the serve speed board.

 

[Terenigma]

Medvedev already choking.

Nah he's got this first set wrapped up. i hope lol

 

[James P]

Medvedev already choking.

Lol

 

[James P]

That was a fiery comeback attempt. Credit where it's due. Med better be careful in set 2.

 

[AnOctorokForDinner]

kamon m8, sez foe to himself

 

[AnOctorokForDinner]

madweed looks comfortabelle

 

[James P]

Strokes look great. Championship form.

 

[Terenigma]

I'm honestly shocked Tiafoe got this far with his game. All of his shots just scream hopeful hitting, he does't seem to have any gameplan or tactical shot placement.

 

[James P]

I didn't expect him to beat Millman. If they were to play again today, I still wouldn't expect him to beat Millman.

 

[a10best]

Tiafoe has improved his game from 2-3 yrs ago but is no match for mad Med (so far).

 

[James P]

Holy crap, Medvedev's 1st serve percentage is 44%. And he's up a set and a break.

 

[TennisFan3]

Holy crap, Medvedev's 1st serve percentage is 44%. And he's up a set and a break.

Like I said the current Medvedev is a pale shadow of 2019 Medvedev.
The serve is not as good and not as hard. The forehand has also declined considerably.

 

[Nostradamus]

Foe sucks

 

[James P]

4 breaks of serve in 7 return games.

 

[WildRevolver]

Med suffocates opponents with his control. Very impressive.

 

[megamind]

Frances giving Daniil the finger

https://twitter.com/x/status/1303121893403365376

 

[Open Stance]

I'm honestly shocked Tiafoe got this far with his game. All of his shots just scream hopeful hitting, he does't seem to have any gameplan or tactical shot placement.

Agree. This is why he's #82 in the rankings. Millman should have beaten him earlier in the tournament. This will be a good result for him to get him ranking points (and $$$) - a few more results like this and he can get back into the top 50.