Resurgent Daniil Medvedev Claims Maiden Trophy in Over Two Years
Nineteen of the Russian's 21 championships have been achieved on hard surfaces
A comeback Medvedev secured his first trophy for over two years with a win over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
Medvedev, a former world number one, has experienced a difficult year, achieving just a single victory at the big events and experiencing a difficult moment at the US Open.
The player's varied form on the professional circuit - and issues with his serving in particular - resulted in him exiting of the elite rankings and eventually splitting with former trainer his previous coach.
Currently working with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, Medvedev has consistently improved in the past month - climaxing in a closely contested three-set win over Frenchman Corentin Moutet.
This marks the player's maiden championship since the Italian tournament and maiden on a hard court since that period of 2023.
The win also indicates the Russian has won 21 titles at twenty-one various tournaments.
"It's the first time I am participating in a tournament with my two daughters at once, so to win a title is especially meaningful," said ranked player Daniil Medvedev.
"This championship is in dedication of my younger daughter Victoria, because the initial championship I achieved when my child Alisa was delivered was for her."
The tennis star, the former major winner, had failed in his past six title deciders, including in the German tournament earlier this year.
The player's defensive play style and regular reactions on court had led some to doubt if his ability to perform at the elite level was finished.
Yet the player has made changes in recent weeks, attempting to approach the net and play assertively, backed up by an improved serving game.
The champion recovered from a break down in the opening set against the difficult Moutet, taking 4 of the concluding five exchanges to gain the advantage.
The competitors swapped service breaks in the following set before the Frenchman, striving for his first professional victory, gained dominance to create a decider.
He rescued four initial chances in a close third set before Medvedev won the break to fifteen to serve for the match.
Suitably, he earned the title with a rally at the front of the court, with his opponent failing to control a return after two hours and 38 minutes.
