Revitalized Medvedev Wins Maiden Title in 882 Days
19 of Medvedev's twenty-one titles have been achieved on hard courts
A comeback Daniil Medvedev won his first championship for over two years with victory over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open championship match.
The Russian, a ex- world number one, has endured a torrid season, winning just one win at the major tournaments and suffering a setback at the New York tournament.
The player's varied form on the professional circuit - and difficulties with his service game in specific - led to him exiting of the world's top 10 and eventually separating with long-term coach Gilles Cervara.
Currently working with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, he has consistently advanced in the past month - peaking in a tightly fought three-set victory over challenger Moutet.
This represents his maiden trophy after the Rome competition and maiden on a hard court after spring of the previous year.
Success also signifies he has secured twenty-one championships at twenty-one distinct tournaments.
"This marks the first occasion I am participating in a competition with my two daughters together, so to secure a trophy is particularly special," stated ranked player Daniil Medvedev.
"This victory is in tribute of my second daughter my daughter, because the initial championship I got when my older daughter Alisa was delivered was for her."
The athlete, the former major winner, had been defeated in his previous six title deciders, including in Halle earlier this year.
The player's counter-punching strategy and frequent emotional displays on the tennis court had caused some to question if his ability to perform at the top level was over.
Yet the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in recent weeks, making an effort to approach the net and compete assertively, supported by an improved serve.
He came back from a break down in the initial set against the difficult Moutet, securing 4 of the concluding five points to go ahead.
The competitors swapped breaks in the second set before Moutet, striving for his maiden ATP Tour victory, took control to push for a final set.
Moutet defended four early break points in a tight final set before the Russian won the break to that score to close out the victory.
Suitably, Medvedev secured victory with a point at the net area, with the Frenchman unable to manage a volley after over two and a half hours.
