Nineteen of Medvedev's 21 titles have been earned on hard surfaces
A comeback Daniil Medvedev claimed his first title for over two years with a win over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open championship match.
The athlete, a ex- world number one, has endured a torrid period, winning just one win at the Grand Slams and undergoing a difficult moment at the US Open.
The player's inconsistency on the ATP Tour - and issues with his service game in especial - led to him exiting of the top ten and ultimately splitting with long-term coach Gilles Cervara.
Now working with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, Medvedev has steadily improved in the past month - climaxing in a closely contested three-set triumph over challenger Moutet.
This marks the player's maiden championship since the 2023 Rome Masters and first on a hardcourt since March of the previous year.
The win also signifies the Russian has secured twenty-one titles at twenty-one various events.
"For the first time I am participating in a event with my both daughters at once, so to win a title is especially meaningful," commented ranked player the champion.
"This victory is in honour of my second daughter Victoria, because the first title I got when my child Alisa was born was for her."
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, had failed in his previous six title deciders, including in that event previously this season.
The player's retrieving play style and frequent outbursts on the playing surface had prompted commentators to question if his ability to perform at the highest level was over.
Yet the player has made changes in the last few weeks, making an effort to come to the net and compete aggressively, backed up by an enhanced service.
Medvedev recovered from a break down in the initial set against the difficult Moutet, winning four of the concluding five games to go ahead.
The pair traded break points in the following set before the challenger, attempting for his initial ATP Tour championship, took control to create a decider.
He saved 4 early-game opportunities in a tight deciding set before the champion secured a break to that score to close out the victory.
Fittingly, Medvedev secured the title with a point at the net, with Moutet unable to control a return after two hours and 38 minutes.
