Comeback Medvedev Secures Maiden Championship in Nearly 30 Months

A comeback Medvedev won his initial championship for over two years with a win over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open championship match.

The Russian, a former world number one, has endured a torrid season, managing just one win at the big events and experiencing a difficult moment at the New York tournament.

Medvedev's unpredictability on the tennis tour - and difficulties with his service game in particular - led to him falling of the world's top 10 and eventually splitting with long-term mentor Gilles Cervara.

Currently working with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, he has steadily advanced in the past month - peaking in a hard-fought three-set triumph over challenger Moutet.

This marks Medvedev's maiden trophy since the Rome competition and maiden on a hard court since March of 2023.

Victory also means the Russian has won twenty-one victories at 21 various competitions.

"For the first time I'm at a competition with my two daughters simultaneously, so to secure a championship is really nice," said ranked player Daniil Medvedev.

"This victory is in tribute of my second daughter her name, because the maiden victory I got when my child my daughter was born was for her."

The tennis star, the former major winner, had lost his last six finals, featuring in Halle previously this season.

His retrieving strategy and regular reactions on court had led commentators to question if his ability to play at the elite level was over.

Yet the 29-year-old has altered his approach in the past month, attempting to approach the net and play assertively, backed up by an improved serve.

The champion recovered from a disadvantage in the opening set against the tricky opponent, taking four of the final five games to go ahead.

Both players swapped breaks in the middle set before Moutet, attempting for his maiden ATP Tour title, gained dominance to create a decider.

Moutet rescued 4 early-game chances in a close third set before Medvedev won the break to that score to close out the victory.

Suitably, he secured victory with a rally at the net, with the Frenchman incapable to manage a volley after over two and a half hours.