19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been earned on hard surfaces
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev claimed his first championship for over two years with victory over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open championship match.
Medvedev, a former world number one, has endured a torrid year, winning just a single victory at the major tournaments and experiencing a meltdown at the US Open.
His varied form on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his service game in specific - caused him exiting of the world's top 10 and ultimately separating with long-time trainer Cervara.
Currently collaborating with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, he has steadily progressed in the recent weeks - climaxing in a closely contested three-set victory over opponent Moutet.
It is Medvedev's first title following the Italian tournament and maiden on a hard surface from spring of that year.
Victory also signifies he has achieved twenty-one championships at 21 different events.
"It's the first time I have attended a competition with my children at once, so to win a championship is really nice," said tennis professional Medvedev.
"This title is in dedication of my second daughter her name, because the maiden victory I achieved when my older daughter her name was born was for her."
The athlete, the past champion, had failed in his past six championship matches, including in Halle previously this season.
His counter-punching strategy and frequent outbursts on the tennis court had prompted some to wonder if his skill to compete at the top level was concluded.
Yet the 29-year-old has made changes in recent weeks, making an effort to advance forward and play positively, supported by an better service.
He came back from a break down in the opening set against the tricky opponent, securing 4 of the final five games to gain the advantage.
The pair traded service breaks in the middle set before the Frenchman, striving for his initial tour title, seized the initiative to push for a decider.
The opponent rescued 4 early break points in a competitive deciding set before the champion won the break to that score to secure the win.
Suitably, he earned the win with a rally at the front of the court, with his opponent failing to manage a volley after a lengthy match.