Revitalized Medvedev Claims Maiden Title in Over Two Years
Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 championships have been achieved on hard surfaces
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev won his initial title for 882 days with a win over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The athlete, a ex- world number one, has had a challenging year, achieving just a single victory at the major tournaments and suffering a setback at the American major.
Medvedev's unpredictability on the professional circuit - and issues with his service game in especial - caused him exiting of the elite rankings and ultimately parting ways with long-time coach Gilles Cervara.
Currently training with Thomas Johansson and Goetzke, he has gradually improved in the past month - peaking in a tightly fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over opponent Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's first trophy after the Rome competition and maiden on a hard court after that period of the previous year.
Success also indicates the Russian has won 21 championships at 21 various tournaments.
"It's the first time I am participating in a competition with my both daughters simultaneously, so to win a championship is especially meaningful," stated tennis professional the champion.
"This title is in dedication of my younger daughter my daughter, because the maiden victory I won when my first daughter my daughter was born was for her."
Medvedev, the past champion, had lost his previous six finals, including in Halle earlier this year.
Medvedev's defensive play style and recurring emotional displays on the tennis court had prompted some to question if his capacity to compete at the top level was finished.
Yet the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in the past month, making an effort to come to the net and play positively, supported by an enhanced service.
He recovered from a deficit in the initial set against the difficult Moutet, winning four of the last five points to take the lead.
The competitors exchanged service breaks in the following set before the challenger, attempting for his initial ATP Tour title, seized the initiative to create a third set.
The opponent rescued 4 early break points in a tight third set before Medvedev won the break to that score to secure the win.
Fittingly, Medvedev secured the win with a shot at the net, with his opponent unable to manage a shot after a lengthy match.
