Revitalized Medvedev Secures First Championship in Nearly 30 Months
19 of the Russian's twenty-one titles have been won on hard courts
A comeback Medvedev claimed his maiden title for nearly 30 months with a win over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The Russian, a former number one, has had a difficult period, achieving just one match at the big events and suffering a setback at the US Open.
Medvedev's varied form on the professional circuit - and struggles with his serve in especial - caused him falling of the top ten and finally parting ways with long-term mentor his previous coach.
Currently training with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, he has gradually progressed in the past month - peaking in a hard-fought three-set triumph over Frenchman Corentin Moutet.
It is his first trophy after the 2023 Rome Masters and initial on a hard court from spring of 2023.
Success also signifies Medvedev has achieved 21 championships at twenty-one different events.
"It's the first time I have attended a tournament with my children together, so to secure a trophy is especially meaningful," commented world number 14 the champion.
"This victory is in honour of my child my daughter, because the initial championship I achieved when my child my daughter was born was for her."
The athlete, the past champion, had failed in his past six finals, including in that event earlier this year.
Medvedev's counter-punching approach and recurring reactions on court had prompted some to question if his ability to play at the highest level was over.
But the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in the past month, attempting to approach the net and play aggressively, reinforced by an enhanced service.
The champion came back from a break down in the opening set against the challenging opponent, securing 4 of the concluding five games to take the lead.
Both players swapped breaks in the second set before the challenger, bidding for his first ATP Tour title, took control to create a decider.
Moutet defended 4 early-game chances in a close third set before the Russian won the break to fifteen to serve for the match.
Suitably, Medvedev clinched the win with a shot at the front of the court, with Moutet unable to manage a shot after over two and a half hours.
