The Russian opened smartly, converting the second of two break points in the first game of the match.
His serve was reliable, dropping just one point in his first two trips to the line, to lead 3-1.
Another break from Medvedev in game five, and his forehand was causing a lot of pain for Tiafoe.
Still, the young gun managed to retrieve one of the breaks in the next game, returning with the power and placement necessary.
Serving at 3-5, Tiafoe failed to handle Medvedev’s movement around the court, and touch at the net, and his loss of serve cost him the set 3-6.
In set two, the players exchanged service breaks to reach 3–3, but the American backhand was having a telling effect. It showed on the scoreboard when in the ninth game Tiafoe broke to love. He served out the set 6-4.
Medvedev served a love game to open set three, but the second game was a total contrast. Medvedev had a break point which was saved, then Tiafoe failed to convert four game points. Two more break points were wasted, before finally the 20 point game ended with a break of serve. Medvedev led 2-0.
The fourth seed saved three break points in the third game, but couldn’t avoid one in the fifth, and games were back on serve.
Serving at 4-5, Tiafoe contributed a series of errors and with three break points, Medvedev charged the net and put away the winner to take the set 6-4.
A forehand passing shot secured an early break and a 2-0 lead for Medvedev in the fourth set. The following two games also saw service breaks, and eventually Tiafoe was at the line serving at 2-5. He was unable to hold, a deep backhand return from Medvedev causing the final problem for Tiafoe. The match was won 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2
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