Comeback Medvedev Claims Maiden Championship in Nearly 30 Months
Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been won on hardcourt
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev secured his initial championship for 882 days with victory over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
Medvedev, a former top-ranked player, has had a torrid year, achieving just one win at the major tournaments and undergoing a meltdown at the American major.
His varied form on the tennis tour - and difficulties with his serving in especial - resulted in him exiting of the elite rankings and ultimately parting ways with former trainer Cervara.
Now collaborating with his coach and his other coach, Medvedev has gradually improved in the last few weeks - culminating in a tightly fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory over challenger Moutet.
This marks the player's maiden title since the Rome competition and maiden on a hard surface since that period of the previous year.
Success also means he has achieved 21 championships at twenty-one distinct events.
"It's the first time I have attended a competition with my both daughters simultaneously, so to win a championship is particularly special," said world number 14 the champion.
"This championship is in honour of my child her name, because the first title I won when my child Alisa was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had lost his past six title deciders, comprising in that event in the past months.
The player's counter-punching approach and recurring outbursts on the playing surface had led some to doubt if his capacity to play at the highest level was over.
However the athlete has altered his approach in recent weeks, making an effort to come to the net and play assertively, reinforced by an improved serve.
The champion recovered from a deficit in the first set against the challenging Moutet, taking 4 of the concluding five games to go ahead.
The pair exchanged break points in the middle set before the challenger, bidding for his maiden ATP Tour title, seized the initiative to create a third set.
The opponent rescued 4 early-game chances in a tight third set before the Russian won the break to that score to close out the victory.
Suitably, he earned victory with a shot at the net, with his opponent unable to manage a return after a lengthy match.
