Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been earned on hardcourt
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev won his initial trophy for over two years with success over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The Russian, a former number one, has experienced a difficult period, managing just a single victory at the Grand Slams and undergoing a setback at the New York tournament.
Medvedev's inconsistency on the professional circuit - and issues with his serving in specific - resulted in him exiting of the world's top 10 and eventually separating with long-time trainer Gilles Cervara.
Now training with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, the tennis star has gradually progressed in the past month - climaxing in a tightly fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 triumph over Frenchman Moutet.
This marks his maiden title following the Rome competition and maiden on a hard court after that period of 2023.
Success also signifies Medvedev has achieved twenty-one championships at 21 distinct tournaments.
"It's the first time I'm at a competition with my both daughters simultaneously, so to secure a title is particularly special," stated world number 14 the champion.
"This victory is in tribute of my child Victoria, because the initial championship I got when my older daughter her name was born was for her."
The athlete, the past champion, had failed in his past six finals, featuring in Halle in the past months.
The player's counter-punching strategy and regular outbursts on court had prompted some to doubt if his ability to perform at the elite level was finished.
Yet the player has altered his approach in recent weeks, making an effort to approach the net and play assertively, backed up by an improved serve.
Medvedev recovered from a deficit in the opening set against the tricky opponent, winning 4 of the final five games to take the lead.
The competitors exchanged service breaks in the following set before the challenger, bidding for his initial tour championship, seized the initiative to force a third set.
He saved 4 initial opportunities in a competitive third set before Medvedev broke to fifteen to secure the win.
Suitably, Medvedev secured victory with a shot at the net area, with Moutet failing to control a shot after two hours and 38 minutes.
