Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one victories have been achieved on hardcourt
A comeback Daniil Medvedev won his maiden title for over two years with victory over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open championship match.
The Russian, a ex- top-ranked player, has had a torrid season, managing just one match at the major tournaments and suffering a difficult moment at the US Open.
The player's inconsistency on the professional circuit - and issues with his serve in particular - caused him exiting of the elite rankings and ultimately separating with long-time mentor his previous coach.
Presently training with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, he has steadily progressed in the recent weeks - culminating in a tightly fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over challenger Moutet.
This marks his initial championship following the Italian tournament and first on a hard surface from March of 2023.
Victory also means Medvedev has achieved 21 titles at twenty-one different tournaments.
"For the first time I have attended a tournament with my both daughters together, so to secure a championship is particularly special," stated tennis professional the champion.
"This victory is in honour of my child her name, because the maiden victory I got when my older daughter her name was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, had failed in his past six title deciders, featuring in Halle previously this season.
His retrieving approach and frequent reactions on court had prompted commentators to wonder if his capacity to play at the top level was finished.
Yet the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in recent weeks, making an effort to approach the net and perform positively, supported by an improved serve.
Medvedev recovered from a deficit in the first set against the difficult Frenchman, winning four of the last five games to take the lead.
The pair traded break points in the middle set before the Frenchman, bidding for his initial ATP Tour title, gained dominance to push for a decider.
Moutet rescued 4 early break points in a competitive deciding set before the champion secured a break to 15 to close out the victory.
Fittingly, he clinched victory with a point at the net area, with the Frenchman incapable to handle a volley after over two and a half hours.
