19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 victories have been earned on hardcourt
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev secured his first title for over two years with victory over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The Russian, a ex- number one, has experienced a challenging season, achieving just one win at the Grand Slams and undergoing a difficult moment at the American major.
His varied form on the ATP Tour - and difficulties with his serving in specific - caused him dropping out of the elite rankings and ultimately splitting with long-term mentor Gilles Cervara.
Now working with his coach and his other coach, he has consistently progressed in the past month - peaking in a tightly fought competitive win over opponent Corentin Moutet.
This represents his initial championship following the Rome competition and first on a hardcourt since that period of 2023.
Victory also means he has won 21 victories at 21 different tournaments.
"It's the first time I have attended a competition with my children simultaneously, so to win a title is really nice," said tennis professional Daniil Medvedev.
"This title is in honour of my younger daughter her name, because the initial championship I won when my child her name was delivered was for her."
The athlete, the 2021 US Open champion, had failed in his last six championship matches, including in that event in the past months.
His defensive approach and frequent outbursts on the playing surface had led observers to wonder if his skill to perform at the elite level was finished.
But the 29-year-old has made changes in the past month, attempting to advance forward and compete aggressively, supported by an better serving game.
The champion recovered from a break down in the initial set against the tricky Frenchman, taking four of the final five exchanges to take the lead.
Both players traded service breaks in the second set before the challenger, striving for his maiden professional title, gained dominance to force a final set.
The opponent rescued 4 early break points in a competitive deciding set before Medvedev won the break to that score to close out the victory.
Fittingly, he clinched the win with a shot at the front of the court, with Moutet incapable to control a return after a lengthy match.
