19 of Medvedev's 21 titles have been earned on hardcourt
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev won his maiden championship for over two years with a win over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The Russian, a former top-ranked player, has experienced a challenging season, winning just one win at the major tournaments and experiencing a setback at the American major.
His varied form on the ATP Tour - and issues with his serving in specific - led to him dropping out of the world's top 10 and finally separating with long-time trainer Cervara.
Now collaborating with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, the tennis star has gradually advanced in the last few weeks - climaxing in a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over opponent Moutet.
It is Medvedev's initial title after the 2023 Rome Masters and initial on a hardcourt since spring of the previous year.
Success also means Medvedev has won 21 victories at twenty-one various events.
"This marks the first occasion I'm at a competition with my two daughters simultaneously, so to get a championship is especially meaningful," commented world number 14 Medvedev.
"This victory is in honour of my younger daughter Victoria, because the first title I achieved when my child Alisa was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had been defeated in his previous six finals, including in Halle in the past months.
Medvedev's defensive strategy and frequent outbursts on court had caused commentators to doubt if his skill to perform at the highest level was over.
However the player has implemented adjustments in the past month, striving to approach the net and compete aggressively, supported by an better serve.
He fought back from a deficit in the initial set against the tricky Frenchman, winning 4 of the concluding five points to go ahead.
The pair swapped service breaks in the middle set before the challenger, bidding for his first tour championship, seized the initiative to force a decider.
The opponent saved 4 initial break points in a competitive final set before the Russian secured a break to that score to close out the victory.
Fittingly, the winner earned the title with a rally at the net area, with the Frenchman incapable to manage a volley after a lengthy match.
