Comeback Medvedev Secures Maiden Trophy in Over Two Years
19 of the Russian's 21 championships have been won on hard courts
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev secured his initial title for over two years with victory over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The athlete, a ex- top-ranked player, has had a difficult season, achieving just one match at the major tournaments and experiencing a difficult moment at the US Open.
The player's unpredictability on the tennis tour - and issues with his serving in specific - resulted in him exiting of the world's top 10 and eventually parting ways with long-term coach Cervara.
Now collaborating with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, he has steadily improved in the last few weeks - culminating in a closely contested three-set triumph over Frenchman Moutet.
This marks Medvedev's maiden championship since the Italian tournament and initial on a hard court from March of the previous year.
The win also indicates he has achieved twenty-one victories at 21 distinct tournaments.
"This marks the first occasion I have attended a competition with my children together, so to win a championship is especially meaningful," stated world number 14 Medvedev.
"This title is in tribute of my second daughter my daughter, because the initial championship I got when my child my daughter was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the past champion, had been defeated in his previous six finals, including in the German tournament previously this season.
His defensive approach and regular outbursts on the tennis court had caused some to wonder if his capacity to play at the highest level was finished.
But the athlete has altered his approach in recent weeks, attempting to approach the net and compete positively, reinforced by an enhanced serving game.
He recovered from a disadvantage in the opening set against the challenging Moutet, taking four of the concluding five points to gain the advantage.
Both players swapped service breaks in the following set before the Frenchman, striving for his first ATP Tour victory, took control to push for a decider.
The opponent defended 4 early opportunities in a competitive third set before the champion secured a break to that score to secure the win.
Fittingly, he secured the win with a rally at the net, with Moutet unable to control a volley after over two and a half hours.