Resurgent Daniil Medvedev Secures Maiden Championship in 882 Days
19 of Medvedev's 21 championships have been achieved on hard surfaces
A revitalized Medvedev won his maiden title for 882 days with a win over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The Russian, a former top-ranked player, has had a torrid season, achieving just one match at the major tournaments and undergoing a meltdown at the US Open.
His unpredictability on the professional circuit - and struggles with his serve in especial - led to him falling of the top ten and eventually parting ways with long-time coach Gilles Cervara.
Currently training with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, the tennis star has steadily improved in the recent weeks - culminating in a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over opponent Moutet.
It is the player's maiden championship after the Rome competition and first on a hardcourt from that period of the previous year.
Victory also indicates the Russian has won twenty-one championships at 21 distinct events.
"It's the first time I have attended a event with my children at once, so to win a championship is really nice," said tennis professional the champion.
"This championship is in honour of my younger daughter Victoria, because the initial championship I won when my first daughter Alisa was born was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had failed in his previous six title deciders, including in Halle earlier this year.
The player's defensive approach and regular outbursts on the tennis court had caused commentators to wonder if his skill to perform at the top level was over.
However the 29-year-old has made changes in the last few weeks, attempting to come to the net and perform positively, supported by an better serve.
Medvedev recovered from a disadvantage in the opening set against the tricky Frenchman, taking four of the last five exchanges to take the lead.
Both players swapped break points in the following set before the Frenchman, attempting for his maiden ATP Tour championship, took control to push for a third set.
He saved 4 early-game break points in a competitive final set before Medvedev secured a break to 15 to serve for the match.
Suitably, Medvedev earned the win with a rally at the front of the court, with the Frenchman incapable to manage a return after over two and a half hours.