Resurgent Medvedev Wins First Title in Nearly 30 Months

A revitalized the Russian player won his initial championship for 882 days with victory over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.

The Russian, a ex- world number one, has had a difficult season, managing just a single victory at the Grand Slams and experiencing a difficult moment at the US Open.

His inconsistency on the tennis tour - and difficulties with his serve in particular - led to him falling of the top ten and ultimately separating with long-term trainer Cervara.

Now training with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, Medvedev has consistently advanced in the recent weeks - culminating in a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory over challenger Corentin Moutet.

This marks the player's first championship since the Rome competition and maiden on a hardcourt from spring of the previous year.

Victory also means Medvedev has secured twenty-one championships at 21 different competitions.

"For the first time I'm at a event with my two daughters together, so to win a title is particularly special," commented world number 14 Medvedev.

"This title is in honour of my second daughter Victoria, because the initial championship I got when my first daughter her name was delivered was for her."

The tennis star, the former major winner, had lost his past six championship matches, comprising in Halle earlier this year.

His retrieving play style and recurring emotional displays on the playing surface had caused observers to question if his capacity to compete at the highest level was concluded.

But the athlete has made changes in the last few weeks, attempting to come to the net and perform assertively, reinforced by an improved service.

Medvedev recovered from a disadvantage in the initial set against the tricky opponent, winning four of the concluding five exchanges to take the lead.

The pair exchanged service breaks in the middle set before the challenger, attempting for his first ATP Tour title, seized the initiative to force a third set.

The opponent defended four initial break points in a tight third set before the Russian secured a break to 15 to secure the win.

Fittingly, the winner clinched victory with a shot at the front of the court, with Moutet unable to handle a return after a lengthy match.