19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one titles have been earned on hard surfaces
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev won his maiden trophy for over two years with victory over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The Russian, a former top-ranked player, has experienced a challenging period, managing just one match at the major tournaments and suffering a setback at the US Open.
His varied form on the ATP Tour - and difficulties with his serve in especial - led to him dropping out of the elite rankings and finally parting ways with long-term mentor Cervara.
Now working with Johansson and his other coach, he has gradually progressed in the last few weeks - peaking in a tightly fought three-set triumph over Frenchman Corentin Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's initial title after the Rome competition and first on a hard surface since March of 2023.
The win also signifies he has won 21 victories at twenty-one different competitions.
"For the first time I'm at a tournament with my both daughters together, so to get a title is especially meaningful," commented world number 14 Medvedev.
"This championship is in dedication of my younger daughter Victoria, because the maiden victory I achieved when my older daughter Alisa was born was for her."
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, had lost his previous six championship matches, featuring in that event in the past months.
The player's retrieving approach and regular reactions on the tennis court had caused observers to wonder if his skill to perform at the highest level was over.
Yet the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in the past month, striving to come to the net and perform assertively, reinforced by an improved service.
Medvedev recovered from a disadvantage in the opening set against the difficult Frenchman, winning 4 of the concluding five games to gain the advantage.
The competitors exchanged break points in the following set before the challenger, striving for his maiden ATP Tour title, seized the initiative to create a final set.
The opponent saved four initial break points in a close deciding set before the Russian secured a break to that score to secure the win.
Suitably, he clinched victory with a rally at the net, with Moutet incapable to control a return after a lengthy match.
