Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 championships have been earned on hardcourt
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev secured his initial championship for over two years with victory over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open championship match.
The Russian, a former number one, has had a torrid year, achieving just one win at the Grand Slams and experiencing a setback at the New York tournament.
Medvedev's varied form on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his serve in particular - caused him falling of the elite rankings and eventually separating with former trainer Gilles Cervara.
Presently training with his coach and Goetzke, Medvedev has gradually advanced in the last few weeks - peaking in a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 triumph over challenger Moutet.
It is Medvedev's first title following the Rome competition and maiden on a hard surface since that period of that year.
Success also signifies the Russian has won 21 titles at twenty-one distinct competitions.
"This marks the first occasion I have attended a tournament with my two daughters together, so to win a trophy is particularly special," commented world number 14 Medvedev.
"This title is in dedication of my younger daughter my daughter, because the first title I achieved when my older daughter Alisa was delivered was for her."
The athlete, the past champion, had failed in his previous six finals, featuring in the German tournament in the past months.
The player's counter-punching approach and regular emotional displays on the tennis court had caused some to question if his ability to perform at the top level was over.
Yet the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in recent weeks, striving to come to the net and perform aggressively, backed up by an enhanced service.
The champion came back from a deficit in the initial set against the difficult Frenchman, taking four of the final five exchanges to gain the advantage.
Both players traded break points in the middle set before the challenger, attempting for his initial ATP Tour championship, took control to create a third set.
Moutet saved four early break points in a tight third set before Medvedev secured a break to that score to serve for the match.
Suitably, the winner clinched the win with a rally at the front of the court, with the Frenchman unable to control a volley after over two and a half hours.
