19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been achieved on hard surfaces
A comeback Daniil Medvedev claimed his initial trophy for 882 days with a win over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The Russian, a former top-ranked player, has experienced a difficult period, achieving just one match at the major tournaments and undergoing a difficult moment at the New York tournament.
His varied form on the professional circuit - and struggles with his service game in especial - resulted in him dropping out of the elite rankings and finally separating with long-term mentor Gilles Cervara.
Presently collaborating with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, Medvedev has consistently advanced in the recent weeks - peaking in a closely contested competitive win over opponent Moutet.
It is his first trophy after the Italian tournament and first on a hard court from March of 2023.
Victory also signifies Medvedev has secured 21 titles at 21 different events.
"It's the first time I'm at a tournament with my two daughters together, so to get a trophy is particularly special," commented tennis professional Daniil Medvedev.
"This championship is in tribute of my child Victoria, because the maiden victory I won when my first daughter my daughter was born was for her."
The athlete, the 2021 US Open champion, had lost his previous six finals, featuring in the German tournament earlier this year.
Medvedev's counter-punching play style and recurring outbursts on the playing surface had prompted commentators to question if his ability to compete at the top level was concluded.
Yet the 29-year-old has made changes in recent weeks, striving to advance forward and play positively, supported by an improved serving game.
Medvedev came back from a deficit in the opening set against the challenging opponent, securing four of the last five exchanges to go ahead.
The pair traded breaks in the following set before the Frenchman, striving for his maiden tour victory, took control to push for a third set.
Moutet saved 4 early break points in a tight deciding set before Medvedev broke to fifteen to close out the victory.
Fittingly, the winner earned the win with a shot at the front of the court, with Moutet failing to manage a return after over two and a half hours.
