Revitalized Daniil Medvedev Claims First Trophy in Over Two Years
19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one titles have been won on hard surfaces
A comeback Medvedev claimed his maiden trophy for nearly 30 months with victory over opponent Moutet in the competition final.
The athlete, a former world number one, has had a challenging season, winning just one match at the big events and experiencing a setback at the US Open.
The player's inconsistency on the tennis tour - and difficulties with his serving in specific - caused him exiting of the top ten and ultimately parting ways with long-term coach Cervara.
Now training with Thomas Johansson and Goetzke, Medvedev has steadily progressed in the last few weeks - culminating in a closely contested 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory over opponent Corentin Moutet.
It is Medvedev's maiden title following the Italian tournament and initial on a hardcourt since spring of that year.
Victory also indicates the Russian has achieved twenty-one championships at 21 distinct competitions.
"This marks the first occasion I'm at a event with my both daughters at once, so to win a championship is really nice," said ranked player Medvedev.
"This title is in dedication of my younger daughter my daughter, because the maiden victory I won when my child Alisa was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, had lost his last six championship matches, including in Halle previously this season.
His defensive approach and recurring outbursts on the playing surface had led observers to question if his ability to compete at the top level was over.
But the player has implemented adjustments in the past month, striving to come to the net and play positively, reinforced by an improved serving game.
Medvedev recovered from a disadvantage in the opening set against the difficult Frenchman, taking 4 of the final five exchanges to gain the advantage.
The pair traded break points in the middle set before the Frenchman, striving for his maiden tour championship, took control to push for a third set.
Moutet saved 4 initial break points in a close final set before the Russian won the break to 15 to serve for the match.
Suitably, he secured the win with a point at the front of the court, with the Frenchman incapable to manage a return after a lengthy match.
