Comeback Medvedev Secures Maiden Trophy in Nearly 30 Months
Nineteen of the Russian's twenty-one victories have been achieved on hard surfaces
A revitalized the Russian player claimed his first title for 882 days with a win over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The athlete, a ex- number one, has endured a difficult season, managing just one win at the Grand Slams and undergoing a difficult moment at the US Open.
Medvedev's unpredictability on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his serving in particular - caused him falling of the world's top 10 and ultimately separating with former trainer Gilles Cervara.
Now training with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, Medvedev has gradually improved in the past month - culminating in a tightly fought competitive victory over opponent Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's first championship after the Italian tournament and maiden on a hardcourt after spring of the previous year.
Success also means the Russian has achieved 21 championships at twenty-one different competitions.
"It's the first time I'm at a competition with my two daughters together, so to get a title is particularly special," stated world number 14 Medvedev.
"This victory is in dedication of my younger daughter Victoria, because the first title I got when my first daughter her name was born was for her."
The athlete, the former major winner, had failed in his last six finals, comprising in the German tournament earlier this year.
His counter-punching strategy and recurring reactions on court had led observers to doubt if his skill to perform at the top level was over.
Yet the athlete has altered his approach in the last few weeks, striving to come to the net and compete positively, supported by an better service.
Medvedev recovered from a disadvantage in the initial set against the tricky Moutet, taking 4 of the last five exchanges to gain the advantage.
The pair exchanged break points in the second set before the challenger, striving for his maiden professional victory, took control to create a decider.
Moutet rescued four early-game chances in a tight final set before the Russian broke to fifteen to serve for the match.
Fittingly, Medvedev earned victory with a rally at the net area, with his opponent incapable to manage a shot after a lengthy match.
