19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one victories have been earned on hardcourt
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev won his first trophy for over two years with victory over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The athlete, a ex- world number one, has had a torrid period, achieving just one win at the major tournaments and suffering a setback at the New York tournament.
His varied form on the tennis tour - and struggles with his serving in particular - led to him dropping out of the elite rankings and eventually splitting with long-term trainer his previous coach.
Presently working with Johansson and Goetzke, Medvedev has steadily advanced in the past month - culminating in a tightly fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory over challenger Moutet.
This marks his first title since the Italian tournament and first on a hard surface after March of that year.
The win also signifies Medvedev has achieved twenty-one titles at 21 different tournaments.
"It's the first time I am participating in a tournament with my both daughters at once, so to secure a title is especially meaningful," said world number 14 the champion.
"This victory is in honour of my second daughter my daughter, because the maiden victory I got when my first daughter her name was delivered was for her."
The athlete, the former major winner, had been defeated in his previous six finals, featuring in the German tournament previously this season.
His defensive strategy and frequent reactions on the playing surface had caused commentators to wonder if his capacity to play at the elite level was over.
Yet the player has altered his approach in the past month, making an effort to come to the net and compete positively, supported by an enhanced serving game.
Medvedev came back from a break down in the opening set against the tricky Frenchman, winning four of the concluding five points to take the lead.
The competitors traded break points in the following set before the challenger, attempting for his maiden ATP Tour title, took control to force a third set.
Moutet defended 4 initial break points in a tight deciding set before Medvedev won the break to 15 to serve for the match.
Fittingly, the winner clinched the win with a shot at the net area, with the Frenchman incapable to handle a return after a lengthy match.
