Revitalized Daniil Medvedev Claims First Title in Nearly 30 Months
Nineteen of the Russian's twenty-one titles have been won on hard courts
A comeback the Russian player secured his initial championship for over two years with victory over opponent Moutet in the competition final.
The Russian, a ex- world number one, has had a challenging period, winning just one win at the big events and suffering a setback at the American major.
Medvedev's inconsistency on the tennis tour - and struggles with his service game in particular - led to him dropping out of the elite rankings and eventually parting ways with long-term mentor his previous coach.
Now collaborating with Johansson and his other coach, Medvedev has steadily improved in the recent weeks - peaking in a tightly fought three-set victory over challenger Moutet.
It is his first championship since the Italian tournament and initial on a hardcourt from spring of 2023.
The win also signifies Medvedev has achieved 21 championships at 21 distinct events.
"It's the first time I'm at a competition with my children together, so to win a championship is really nice," commented ranked player the champion.
"This victory is in dedication of my child Victoria, because the maiden victory I achieved when my child her name was born was for her."
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, had been defeated in his past six championship matches, featuring in the German tournament earlier this year.
His counter-punching strategy and regular outbursts on court had prompted some to wonder if his ability to compete at the highest level was finished.
But the athlete has altered his approach in the past month, attempting to advance forward and play aggressively, supported by an improved serving game.
The champion recovered from a disadvantage in the opening set against the challenging Moutet, winning four of the concluding five exchanges to go ahead.
The competitors exchanged break points in the second set before the challenger, attempting for his initial ATP Tour victory, gained dominance to create a decider.
The opponent defended four early opportunities in a close third set before Medvedev secured a break to that score to close out the victory.
Fittingly, the winner clinched the title with a rally at the net area, with Moutet failing to manage a volley after two hours and 38 minutes.
