Resurgent Daniil Medvedev Wins First Trophy in Over Two Years
Nineteen of Medvedev's 21 titles have been achieved on hard surfaces
A resurgent Medvedev secured his initial trophy for nearly 30 months with victory over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The Russian, a former number one, has experienced a challenging season, managing just one match at the Grand Slams and suffering a difficult moment at the New York tournament.
Medvedev's unpredictability on the professional circuit - and struggles with his serving in particular - caused him dropping out of the elite rankings and finally separating with long-time trainer Gilles Cervara.
Presently working with his coach and his other coach, the tennis star has consistently advanced in the recent weeks - peaking in a tightly fought three-set triumph over challenger Moutet.
This represents his initial trophy since the Italian tournament and first on a hard court after spring of that year.
The win also means the Russian has secured 21 championships at twenty-one different tournaments.
"This marks the first occasion I am participating in a event with my both daughters at once, so to secure a trophy is really nice," said ranked player Daniil Medvedev.
"This title is in tribute of my younger daughter my daughter, because the first title I achieved when my first daughter Alisa was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had lost his last six finals, featuring in Halle in the past months.
His counter-punching approach and frequent reactions on the playing surface had led some to wonder if his capacity to perform at the top level was finished.
Yet the 29-year-old has altered his approach in the past month, attempting to approach the net and perform assertively, reinforced by an enhanced serve.
The champion recovered from a deficit in the first set against the difficult Frenchman, winning four of the final five points to go ahead.
The pair traded break points in the following set before the challenger, striving for his initial ATP Tour championship, gained dominance to create a decider.
Moutet rescued four early opportunities in a tight final set before the Russian secured a break to 15 to serve for the match.
Suitably, he clinched the title with a shot at the front of the court, with Moutet incapable to handle a shot after two hours and 38 minutes.