Revitalized Daniil Medvedev Claims Maiden Trophy in 882 Days
Nineteen of the Russian's twenty-one titles have been won on hardcourt
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev claimed his maiden trophy for 882 days with victory over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The Russian, a ex- world number one, has endured a torrid season, managing just one match at the big events and experiencing a meltdown at the American major.
Medvedev's unpredictability on the ATP Tour - and issues with his service game in particular - caused him dropping out of the elite rankings and finally parting ways with former mentor Cervara.
Presently working with Johansson and his other coach, Medvedev has steadily progressed in the past month - climaxing in a hard-fought competitive victory over challenger Corentin Moutet.
This represents his first title since the 2023 Rome Masters and initial on a hard surface after March of the previous year.
Victory also signifies the Russian has secured twenty-one championships at 21 distinct competitions.
"For the first time I'm at a competition with my both daughters simultaneously, so to win a trophy is particularly special," said tennis professional Daniil Medvedev.
"This title is in tribute of my second daughter her name, because the first title I achieved when my first daughter Alisa was born was for her."
The athlete, the 2021 US Open champion, had been defeated in his past six title deciders, comprising in the German tournament in the past months.
His defensive strategy and recurring outbursts on court had led observers to wonder if his ability to perform at the highest level was finished.
Yet the athlete has altered his approach in the last few weeks, striving to advance forward and perform aggressively, reinforced by an better serve.
Medvedev fought back from a deficit in the first set against the challenging Frenchman, taking 4 of the last five exchanges to gain the advantage.
The competitors exchanged service breaks in the second set before the challenger, bidding for his initial ATP Tour victory, gained dominance to push for a decider.
He saved 4 early break points in a close deciding set before the Russian secured a break to fifteen to close out the victory.
Appropriately, Medvedev earned the title with a shot at the front of the court, with his opponent unable to handle a return after two hours and 38 minutes.
