Comeback Medvedev Secures First Title in 882 Days
Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one titles have been earned on hardcourt
A revitalized the Russian player claimed his maiden title for 882 days with a win over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
Medvedev, a former number one, has had a difficult year, managing just one match at the Grand Slams and suffering a meltdown at the US Open.
The player's unpredictability on the tennis tour - and struggles with his serve in especial - led to him falling of the elite rankings and ultimately separating with former trainer his previous coach.
Currently collaborating with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, he has consistently progressed in the last few weeks - peaking in a closely contested three-set triumph over Frenchman Moutet.
It is Medvedev's initial trophy since the Rome competition and initial on a hardcourt from March of that year.
Success also means the Russian has won twenty-one victories at 21 various competitions.
"It's the first time I have attended a tournament with my both daughters together, so to win a championship is especially meaningful," said world number 14 the champion.
"This championship is in tribute of my child my daughter, because the maiden victory I won when my child Alisa was born was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had lost his previous six title deciders, including in Halle earlier this year.
Medvedev's defensive approach and regular reactions on court had prompted some to question if his ability to perform at the highest level was finished.
Yet the player has altered his approach in recent weeks, attempting to come to the net and perform assertively, supported by an enhanced service.
Medvedev came back from a break down in the initial set against the tricky opponent, taking four of the last five games to go ahead.
Both players traded breaks in the middle set before the Frenchman, attempting for his first ATP Tour title, took control to push for a decider.
Moutet defended 4 initial chances in a close final set before Medvedev secured a break to that score to serve for the match.
Fittingly, Medvedev earned victory with a point at the net, with Moutet incapable to handle a shot after a lengthy match.
