Comeback Medvedev Secures Maiden Championship in 882 Days
Nineteen of the Russian's twenty-one titles have been earned on hard courts
A revitalized the Russian player claimed his first trophy for 882 days with victory over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The athlete, a former number one, has had a challenging period, achieving just one win at the big events and undergoing a difficult moment at the US Open.
His varied form on the ATP Tour - and issues with his serve in particular - resulted in him falling of the top ten and ultimately splitting with long-time mentor Cervara.
Currently collaborating with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, he has gradually progressed in the last few weeks - culminating in a closely contested 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory over opponent Moutet.
This represents his first title following the 2023 Rome Masters and maiden on a hard surface after that period of that year.
The win also signifies the Russian has secured twenty-one championships at twenty-one distinct tournaments.
"It's the first time I have attended a event with my two daughters simultaneously, so to get a trophy is really nice," said world number 14 the champion.
"This title is in tribute of my child her name, because the maiden victory I got when my first daughter my daughter was born was for her."
The tennis star, the past champion, had failed in his previous six finals, featuring in that event in the past months.
The player's counter-punching play style and frequent emotional displays on the tennis court had caused observers to doubt if his ability to play at the elite level was finished.
However the athlete has made changes in the past month, attempting to advance forward and perform assertively, supported by an improved service.
He came back from a deficit in the first set against the difficult opponent, securing four of the last five points to take the lead.
Both players exchanged service breaks in the following set before Moutet, attempting for his initial ATP Tour title, gained dominance to push for a decider.
He rescued 4 early chances in a competitive deciding set before the Russian secured a break to fifteen to close out the victory.
Fittingly, the winner secured victory with a rally at the net, with Moutet failing to control a return after a lengthy match.
