Revitalized Medvedev Secures Maiden Trophy in Over Two Years
19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been won on hardcourt
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev claimed his maiden trophy for over two years with success over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The Russian, a ex- number one, has had a challenging year, managing just one match at the big events and undergoing a setback at the US Open.
Medvedev's inconsistency on the tennis tour - and issues with his service game in specific - caused him exiting of the top ten and eventually splitting with long-term mentor Cervara.
Presently training with Thomas Johansson and Goetzke, he has gradually progressed in the last few weeks - peaking in a hard-fought competitive victory over opponent Moutet.
This marks the player's maiden championship after the 2023 Rome Masters and maiden on a hard court since spring of 2023.
Success also means the Russian has secured twenty-one victories at twenty-one different events.
"For the first time I am participating in a tournament with my two daughters at once, so to secure a trophy is really nice," commented tennis professional Medvedev.
"This victory is in honour of my second daughter her name, because the maiden victory I got when my first daughter Alisa was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had lost his last six championship matches, comprising in that event in the past months.
The player's counter-punching strategy and regular outbursts on the tennis court had led commentators to doubt if his capacity to perform at the top level was finished.
However the athlete has made changes in recent weeks, making an effort to come to the net and compete aggressively, reinforced by an improved service.
Medvedev fought back from a break down in the opening set against the challenging Frenchman, securing 4 of the last five games to gain the advantage.
The competitors traded breaks in the second set before the Frenchman, attempting for his first ATP Tour victory, seized the initiative to push for a third set.
Moutet saved 4 initial break points in a close third set before the champion won the break to that score to secure the win.
Appropriately, Medvedev secured the title with a shot at the net area, with his opponent incapable to control a shot after a lengthy match.
