19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one championships have been won on hardcourt
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev won his initial trophy for over two years with victory over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The athlete, a former top-ranked player, has experienced a difficult period, achieving just a single victory at the Grand Slams and experiencing a meltdown at the American major.
The player's varied form on the ATP Tour - and difficulties with his serving in particular - led to him exiting of the world's top 10 and ultimately splitting with long-term coach Gilles Cervara.
Currently training with his coach and his other coach, Medvedev has gradually advanced in the past month - culminating in a tightly fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over Frenchman Corentin Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's first championship since the 2023 Rome Masters and first on a hard court from March of the previous year.
Success also means he has won twenty-one victories at twenty-one distinct competitions.
"For the first time I have attended a competition with my two daughters at once, so to get a championship is especially meaningful," said tennis professional the champion.
"This title is in dedication of my second daughter Victoria, because the maiden victory I won when my child Alisa was born was for her."
Medvedev, the past champion, had failed in his past six title deciders, featuring in the German tournament in the past months.
The player's counter-punching approach and regular reactions on court had prompted some to question if his skill to compete at the top level was concluded.
However the player has altered his approach in the last few weeks, striving to come to the net and perform assertively, supported by an improved serving game.
The champion fought back from a deficit in the opening set against the challenging Frenchman, securing 4 of the final five points to go ahead.
Both players exchanged break points in the second set before the Frenchman, bidding for his initial tour victory, took control to force a final set.
He saved 4 initial break points in a close final set before Medvedev broke to that score to secure the win.
Fittingly, he earned the win with a rally at the front of the court, with his opponent failing to handle a volley after a lengthy match.
