Daniil Medvedev vs. Frances Tiafoe
Medvedev and Tiafoe have only played just once since 2021, which is probably the way the American likes it. He’s 0-5 against the Russian, and he’s taken just one set in those meetings. Medvedev’s consistency, defensive skills, and knack for making his opponents hit tough volleys all conspire to disrupt Tiafoe’s offensive-minded game.
Who will the slow indoor surface in Berlin favor? Medvedev likes hard courts, we know, but he doesn’t necessarily like them this slow. The last time these two played on a surface like this, at Indian Wells in 2023, Tiafoe pushed Medvedev through two close sets. Tiafoe has also been hot of late, and he likes a big stage, including Laver Cup’s. In 2022, he clinched Team World’s first Cup with a match-tiebreaker win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday.
All of which should make this an interesting clash of very different styles and personalities. Winner: Medvedev
