Resurgent Medvedev Secures First Title in Over Two Years
Nineteen of Medvedev's 21 titles have been earned on hard courts
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev claimed his maiden title for 882 days with a win over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The athlete, a ex- top-ranked player, has endured a challenging period, managing just a single victory at the big events and experiencing a difficult moment at the US Open.
His unpredictability on the tennis tour - and struggles with his serve in particular - caused him dropping out of the top ten and finally parting ways with long-time trainer Cervara.
Currently working with his coach and Goetzke, he has consistently improved in the last few weeks - climaxing in a tightly fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over challenger Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's maiden title since the Rome competition and first on a hard surface since March of the previous year.
Success also signifies Medvedev has achieved 21 victories at 21 distinct tournaments.
"For the first time I have attended a event with my two daughters together, so to get a championship is especially meaningful," said world number 14 Medvedev.
"This title is in tribute of my child my daughter, because the first title I achieved when my first daughter Alisa was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had lost his last six finals, including in the German tournament in the past months.
The player's defensive strategy and recurring outbursts on the playing surface had led observers to wonder if his ability to play at the highest level was concluded.
However the athlete has altered his approach in the past month, attempting to advance forward and perform positively, backed up by an enhanced serve.
The champion recovered from a deficit in the initial set against the difficult Frenchman, winning 4 of the concluding five points to take the lead.
The pair traded service breaks in the following set before Moutet, striving for his first professional championship, seized the initiative to force a third set.
The opponent saved 4 initial break points in a tight final set before the Russian broke to 15 to serve for the match.
Suitably, the winner clinched the win with a rally at the net area, with his opponent failing to manage a volley after two hours and 38 minutes.
