Revitalized Medvedev Wins Maiden Title in Over Two Years
19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been achieved on hard surfaces
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev won his first title for over two years with victory over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
Medvedev, a ex- number one, has endured a challenging season, achieving just one match at the major tournaments and undergoing a setback at the US Open.
His unpredictability on the professional circuit - and issues with his serving in particular - led to him falling of the top ten and finally splitting with long-term trainer Gilles Cervara.
Currently collaborating with Johansson and Goetzke, Medvedev has steadily advanced in the past month - peaking in a tightly fought three-set triumph over Frenchman Moutet.
This marks Medvedev's initial trophy following the Italian tournament and initial on a hardcourt since that period of 2023.
Success also signifies the Russian has achieved 21 titles at 21 different competitions.
"It's the first time I have attended a competition with my children at once, so to win a title is especially meaningful," said world number 14 Daniil Medvedev.
"This victory is in dedication of my child her name, because the maiden victory I achieved when my older daughter my daughter was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had lost his past six championship matches, including in that event in the past months.
Medvedev's retrieving strategy and recurring emotional displays on the playing surface had prompted observers to doubt if his skill to play at the highest level was concluded.
Yet the player has altered his approach in recent weeks, striving to come to the net and perform positively, backed up by an enhanced service.
The champion came back from a break down in the first set against the challenging Moutet, taking four of the last five games to gain the advantage.
Both players swapped service breaks in the second set before Moutet, bidding for his first professional title, took control to create a decider.
Moutet defended 4 initial opportunities in a tight final set before the champion won the break to 15 to secure the win.
Suitably, the winner secured the title with a rally at the net, with the Frenchman failing to handle a shot after a lengthy match.
