19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been won on hardcourt
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev won his initial trophy for nearly 30 months with victory over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open championship match.
The Russian, a former number one, has endured a torrid period, winning just one win at the major tournaments and undergoing a meltdown at the US Open.
Medvedev's unpredictability on the professional circuit - and difficulties with his serve in particular - resulted in him exiting of the top ten and ultimately splitting with long-term trainer Cervara.
Currently training with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, Medvedev has gradually progressed in the past month - climaxing in a tightly fought three-set win over opponent Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's initial title since the 2023 Rome Masters and first on a hard surface since March of that year.
Victory also signifies he has achieved 21 victories at 21 different events.
"It's the first time I am participating in a competition with my children at once, so to get a title is especially meaningful," said ranked player Daniil Medvedev.
"This victory is in dedication of my younger daughter Victoria, because the initial championship I achieved when my first daughter Alisa was born was for her."
The athlete, the 2021 US Open champion, had been defeated in his last six finals, including in that event earlier this year.
The player's defensive approach and recurring outbursts on the playing surface had caused observers to doubt if his capacity to perform at the highest level was finished.
However the athlete has implemented adjustments in the last few weeks, attempting to approach the net and compete positively, supported by an enhanced serve.
He came back from a break down in the opening set against the challenging Frenchman, securing 4 of the concluding five points to take the lead.
The pair traded break points in the middle set before Moutet, bidding for his maiden professional championship, gained dominance to push for a final set.
The opponent rescued 4 early break points in a competitive third set before Medvedev secured a break to 15 to serve for the match.
Appropriately, the winner clinched the title with a point at the front of the court, with his opponent failing to control a shot after two hours and 38 minutes.
