Comeback Daniil Medvedev Secures First Trophy in 882 Days

A revitalized Daniil Medvedev secured his initial trophy for nearly 30 months with success over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.

The Russian, a former world number one, has experienced a challenging period, achieving just a single victory at the big events and undergoing a setback at the New York tournament.

The player's varied form on the professional circuit - and issues with his serve in specific - caused him exiting of the elite rankings and finally splitting with former coach Cervara.

Currently training with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, the tennis star has consistently progressed in the last few weeks - peaking in a closely contested competitive triumph over opponent Moutet.

This represents Medvedev's initial championship after the Italian tournament and first on a hardcourt after March of the previous year.

Success also indicates the Russian has secured twenty-one victories at 21 distinct competitions.

"For the first time I have attended a competition with my both daughters simultaneously, so to get a title is particularly special," said world number 14 the champion.

"This victory is in tribute of my younger daughter my daughter, because the first title I got when my first daughter Alisa was delivered was for her."

The athlete, the past champion, had failed in his previous six championship matches, featuring in the German tournament previously this season.

His defensive approach and regular reactions on the playing surface had prompted some to wonder if his skill to compete at the highest level was over.

But the player has altered his approach in the past month, attempting to approach the net and perform assertively, supported by an enhanced serving game.

He fought back from a disadvantage in the opening set against the tricky Moutet, winning 4 of the last five points to take the lead.

The pair swapped breaks in the second set before the challenger, bidding for his first ATP Tour victory, seized the initiative to create a final set.

The opponent defended 4 initial break points in a competitive final set before the champion broke to 15 to serve for the match.

Suitably, the winner earned the win with a rally at the net area, with Moutet unable to handle a volley after a lengthy match.