19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 victories have been won on hard courts
A comeback Daniil Medvedev claimed his initial title for nearly 30 months with a win over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The athlete, a former top-ranked player, has experienced a challenging period, achieving just one match at the major tournaments and suffering a meltdown at the US Open.
His inconsistency on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his serve in particular - led to him falling of the elite rankings and ultimately separating with long-term coach Cervara.
Now working with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, he has gradually advanced in the recent weeks - culminating in a closely contested 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory over opponent Moutet.
This marks the player's first trophy since the Italian tournament and first on a hard surface after that period of the previous year.
Victory also signifies the Russian has secured 21 titles at twenty-one different tournaments.
"It's the first time I'm at a competition with my two daughters together, so to get a title is especially meaningful," commented tennis professional Daniil Medvedev.
"This championship is in honour of my younger daughter Victoria, because the maiden victory I achieved when my child Alisa was born was for her."
The athlete, the 2021 US Open champion, had failed in his past six championship matches, featuring in the German tournament in the past months.
The player's counter-punching approach and frequent outbursts on the tennis court had prompted some to wonder if his ability to perform at the elite level was finished.
Yet the player has altered his approach in the last few weeks, attempting to advance forward and play aggressively, reinforced by an better service.
The champion recovered from a disadvantage in the initial set against the tricky Frenchman, taking four of the last five games to gain the advantage.
The pair exchanged break points in the following set before the challenger, attempting for his initial professional title, took control to push for a final set.
He defended four early-game break points in a close final set before the champion won the break to 15 to serve for the match.
Fittingly, the winner secured victory with a shot at the net area, with the Frenchman failing to manage a volley after a lengthy match.
