19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one titles have been won on hard surfaces
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev secured his first championship for nearly 30 months with success over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open championship match.
The Russian, a former world number one, has endured a torrid year, managing just a single victory at the Grand Slams and undergoing a meltdown at the US Open.
His varied form on the ATP Tour - and issues with his serving in particular - resulted in him exiting of the top ten and ultimately separating with long-term coach Cervara.
Now collaborating with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, he has consistently improved in the recent weeks - peaking in a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over Frenchman Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's maiden trophy since the Italian tournament and initial on a hard court after March of 2023.
Victory also indicates he has won twenty-one championships at twenty-one different tournaments.
"For the first time I have attended a event with my two daughters together, so to get a trophy is particularly special," commented tennis professional the champion.
"This championship is in tribute of my younger daughter Victoria, because the first title I achieved when my first daughter my daughter was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had been defeated in his past six title deciders, comprising in the German tournament previously this season.
Medvedev's defensive strategy and frequent outbursts on the tennis court had led observers to question if his capacity to play at the elite level was over.
But the 29-year-old has altered his approach in the past month, attempting to come to the net and compete assertively, supported by an enhanced serve.
He came back from a disadvantage in the initial set against the tricky Frenchman, securing four of the concluding five games to take the lead.
Both players traded breaks in the second set before the challenger, bidding for his maiden ATP Tour victory, gained dominance to create a final set.
He defended 4 early-game opportunities in a competitive final set before the champion won the break to 15 to secure the win.
Suitably, Medvedev clinched victory with a point at the net, with his opponent unable to handle a shot after two hours and 38 minutes.
