Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 victories have been achieved on hard surfaces
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev won his maiden trophy for over two years with a win over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The Russian, a ex- top-ranked player, has endured a challenging season, winning just one match at the Grand Slams and suffering a meltdown at the American major.
The player's varied form on the professional circuit - and issues with his serve in specific - caused him falling of the world's top 10 and eventually separating with long-term mentor Cervara.
Now working with Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, the tennis star has gradually progressed in the recent weeks - climaxing in a closely contested three-set victory over opponent Moutet.
This represents the player's maiden trophy since the Rome competition and first on a hardcourt from spring of the previous year.
Success also means Medvedev has achieved 21 championships at twenty-one various competitions.
"It's the first time I'm at a competition with my two daughters simultaneously, so to secure a title is particularly special," commented ranked player Daniil Medvedev.
"This championship is in dedication of my second daughter her name, because the first title I got when my first daughter Alisa was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the past champion, had lost his previous six championship matches, featuring in Halle previously this season.
His counter-punching play style and frequent reactions on the playing surface had caused observers to wonder if his ability to perform at the elite level was over.
But the player has made changes in the last few weeks, attempting to advance forward and play positively, supported by an enhanced service.
The champion fought back from a disadvantage in the opening set against the difficult opponent, winning 4 of the last five exchanges to go ahead.
The competitors traded break points in the middle set before the Frenchman, striving for his first tour victory, gained dominance to force a third set.
The opponent saved four early-game break points in a tight final set before the champion broke to that score to close out the victory.
Appropriately, he secured the win with a shot at the front of the court, with the Frenchman unable to manage a return after over two and a half hours.
