Resurgent Daniil Medvedev Claims Maiden Championship in 882 Days
19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been achieved on hard surfaces
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev won his first title for 882 days with a win over Corentin Moutet in the tournament final.
The Russian, a ex- number one, has endured a difficult period, winning just a single victory at the major tournaments and suffering a setback at the American major.
His varied form on the ATP Tour - and difficulties with his serving in specific - caused him falling of the world's top 10 and finally parting ways with former trainer Cervara.
Presently collaborating with Johansson and Goetzke, he has gradually improved in the last few weeks - culminating in a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over Frenchman Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's initial championship following the 2023 Rome Masters and maiden on a hard court from spring of the previous year.
Victory also means he has won 21 victories at 21 distinct events.
"For the first time I have attended a tournament with my two daughters together, so to get a trophy is really nice," said world number 14 the champion.
"This title is in honour of my second daughter my daughter, because the initial championship I got when my older daughter my daughter was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the past champion, had been defeated in his previous six finals, including in Halle previously this season.
His counter-punching play style and frequent emotional displays on the tennis court had prompted commentators to doubt if his ability to play at the top level was concluded.
Yet the athlete has made changes in the last few weeks, making an effort to approach the net and perform aggressively, supported by an improved serve.
He fought back from a disadvantage in the opening set against the tricky opponent, winning four of the last five points to take the lead.
Both players exchanged breaks in the middle set before the Frenchman, attempting for his initial professional victory, took control to push for a third set.
The opponent defended 4 initial chances in a close final set before Medvedev broke to that score to secure the win.
Appropriately, he clinched victory with a shot at the net area, with the Frenchman failing to manage a return after two hours and 38 minutes.
