19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one victories have been achieved on hardcourt
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev won his maiden championship for 882 days with victory over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
Medvedev, a former world number one, has experienced a torrid period, winning just one match at the major tournaments and experiencing a meltdown at the American major.
His varied form on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his serve in specific - resulted in him falling of the elite rankings and finally parting ways with long-time trainer Cervara.
Presently collaborating with Thomas Johansson and Goetzke, he has gradually improved in the recent weeks - peaking in a hard-fought competitive triumph over Frenchman Moutet.
This marks Medvedev's first title after the 2023 Rome Masters and maiden on a hard court since March of that year.
Success also means the Russian has won twenty-one victories at 21 different tournaments.
"It's the first time I'm at a competition with my both daughters simultaneously, so to win a championship is particularly special," stated world number 14 Medvedev.
"This victory is in honour of my younger daughter Victoria, because the first title I got when my first daughter my daughter was born was for her."
Medvedev, the past champion, had failed in his past six title deciders, including in Halle in the past months.
His defensive strategy and frequent emotional displays on the tennis court had led observers to question if his ability to perform at the elite level was finished.
Yet the player has altered his approach in recent weeks, attempting to come to the net and compete positively, reinforced by an improved serve.
He fought back from a deficit in the opening set against the tricky Frenchman, winning four of the final five exchanges to gain the advantage.
Both players swapped break points in the second set before the Frenchman, striving for his first professional title, took control to push for a final set.
He saved 4 initial opportunities in a competitive deciding set before the Russian won the break to 15 to serve for the match.
Appropriately, the winner earned the title with a shot at the net, with his opponent incapable to control a return after two hours and 38 minutes.
