19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one titles have been won on hard surfaces
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev secured his maiden trophy for over two years with victory over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The Russian, a ex- top-ranked player, has experienced a torrid season, managing just one win at the big events and experiencing a difficult moment at the American major.
His unpredictability on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his serving in particular - led to him dropping out of the elite rankings and finally splitting with long-term trainer his previous coach.
Currently training with Johansson and Goetzke, the tennis star has steadily advanced in the past month - peaking in a closely contested competitive victory over opponent Corentin Moutet.
This represents the player's initial title after the Rome competition and maiden on a hard surface after March of the previous year.
The win also means he has secured 21 victories at 21 different events.
"This marks the first occasion I have attended a tournament with my children together, so to get a title is really nice," stated world number 14 Medvedev.
"This championship is in honour of my second daughter her name, because the maiden victory I achieved when my older daughter my daughter was born was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had failed in his previous six title deciders, including in that event in the past months.
Medvedev's counter-punching strategy and frequent emotional displays on court had caused some to question if his ability to play at the highest level was finished.
But the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in the past month, striving to come to the net and play aggressively, backed up by an enhanced service.
The champion recovered from a deficit in the initial set against the tricky Moutet, winning 4 of the concluding five points to gain the advantage.
Both players swapped breaks in the middle set before the challenger, bidding for his initial ATP Tour title, seized the initiative to create a decider.
Moutet saved 4 early-game break points in a close deciding set before the Russian broke to fifteen to serve for the match.
Fittingly, the winner earned the win with a rally at the net area, with his opponent incapable to manage a volley after a lengthy match.
