19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one championships have been won on hard courts
A comeback Daniil Medvedev won his initial championship for over two years with victory over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open championship match.
The Russian, a former world number one, has had a torrid season, achieving just one match at the major tournaments and suffering a setback at the US Open.
Medvedev's varied form on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his service game in particular - led to him exiting of the elite rankings and eventually separating with long-time coach Cervara.
Currently training with his coach and his other coach, the tennis star has steadily improved in the last few weeks - culminating in a tightly fought three-set victory over challenger Moutet.
This represents his initial championship following the Italian tournament and maiden on a hardcourt after spring of 2023.
Success also means the Russian has achieved twenty-one titles at twenty-one different events.
"It's the first time I have attended a tournament with my two daughters together, so to secure a championship is especially meaningful," stated ranked player Daniil Medvedev.
"This title is in honour of my second daughter her name, because the initial championship I won when my older daughter my daughter was born was for her."
The athlete, the past champion, had been defeated in his last six championship matches, including in Halle previously this season.
His defensive approach and recurring reactions on the playing surface had caused observers to question if his ability to play at the top level was over.
Yet the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in recent weeks, striving to approach the net and play positively, reinforced by an better serve.
He came back from a break down in the opening set against the difficult Frenchman, taking four of the last five games to take the lead.
Both players swapped service breaks in the following set before the Frenchman, attempting for his maiden ATP Tour victory, took control to create a decider.
He saved four initial chances in a competitive final set before the Russian won the break to that score to close out the victory.
Suitably, Medvedev clinched the win with a rally at the front of the court, with Moutet incapable to manage a shot after two hours and 38 minutes.
