Resurgent Daniil Medvedev Wins Maiden Trophy in Nearly 30 Months
Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 victories have been won on hard surfaces
A comeback Medvedev secured his initial title for over two years with a win over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The Russian, a ex- number one, has experienced a difficult year, managing just one match at the major tournaments and suffering a difficult moment at the American major.
His unpredictability on the tennis tour - and struggles with his serving in particular - led to him exiting of the elite rankings and ultimately separating with former mentor his previous coach.
Presently training with Johansson and his other coach, Medvedev has steadily progressed in the last few weeks - climaxing in a tightly fought three-set victory over challenger Corentin Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's maiden championship following the Rome competition and first on a hardcourt from March of the previous year.
The win also indicates the Russian has secured twenty-one victories at twenty-one different tournaments.
"It's the first time I'm at a tournament with my both daughters simultaneously, so to secure a championship is especially meaningful," commented world number 14 the champion.
"This title is in tribute of my younger daughter her name, because the first title I got when my child Alisa was delivered was for her."
The tennis star, the 2021 US Open champion, had failed in his previous six title deciders, comprising in Halle in the past months.
The player's counter-punching approach and recurring emotional displays on the playing surface had led some to wonder if his ability to perform at the top level was concluded.
However the player has made changes in recent weeks, attempting to come to the net and compete positively, supported by an improved serving game.
Medvedev fought back from a disadvantage in the initial set against the challenging Moutet, taking four of the last five games to take the lead.
Both players swapped service breaks in the following set before the Frenchman, bidding for his first ATP Tour victory, gained dominance to push for a third set.
He defended four early opportunities in a close third set before Medvedev secured a break to 15 to serve for the match.
Suitably, the winner secured the title with a rally at the front of the court, with his opponent incapable to control a return after a lengthy match.