Resurgent Medvedev Secures Maiden Trophy in Over Two Years
Nineteen of the Russian's twenty-one titles have been won on hardcourt
A revitalized the Russian player secured his maiden trophy for over two years with a win over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The Russian, a ex- number one, has experienced a challenging period, winning just one win at the Grand Slams and experiencing a setback at the American major.
His unpredictability on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his serve in particular - led to him falling of the elite rankings and finally separating with former mentor Gilles Cervara.
Presently training with Johansson and his other coach, Medvedev has consistently advanced in the past month - climaxing in a tightly fought three-set win over challenger Corentin Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's initial trophy following the Italian tournament and first on a hard surface since spring of 2023.
The win also signifies the Russian has achieved twenty-one championships at 21 various competitions.
"It's the first time I'm at a competition with my two daughters together, so to secure a championship is really nice," said world number 14 Daniil Medvedev.
"This title is in dedication of my child her name, because the first title I won when my first daughter Alisa was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the past champion, had failed in his past six championship matches, including in Halle earlier this year.
Medvedev's retrieving play style and recurring emotional displays on the playing surface had led some to doubt if his skill to compete at the top level was over.
However the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in recent weeks, attempting to approach the net and play assertively, backed up by an improved serving game.
Medvedev fought back from a deficit in the initial set against the challenging Moutet, securing four of the last five exchanges to go ahead.
The pair traded service breaks in the second set before the challenger, striving for his initial professional title, gained dominance to push for a final set.
He rescued 4 initial break points in a tight deciding set before the champion secured a break to that score to serve for the match.
Suitably, Medvedev earned the title with a rally at the net, with the Frenchman failing to control a volley after over two and a half hours.
