19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one championships have been won on hard surfaces
A revitalized Medvedev claimed his first championship for 882 days with victory over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
The Russian, a ex- top-ranked player, has endured a torrid period, managing just a single victory at the Grand Slams and experiencing a meltdown at the New York tournament.
Medvedev's inconsistency on the tennis tour - and issues with his service game in specific - led to him falling of the elite rankings and eventually splitting with long-term trainer his previous coach.
Currently working with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, Medvedev has gradually advanced in the past month - culminating in a closely contested competitive triumph over Frenchman Moutet.
It is the player's first championship after the Rome competition and maiden on a hard surface after spring of the previous year.
Success also indicates the Russian has secured twenty-one championships at 21 different events.
"It's the first time I'm at a competition with my both daughters together, so to get a championship is especially meaningful," commented tennis professional Medvedev.
"This title is in honour of my second daughter her name, because the first title I achieved when my first daughter her name was born was for her."
The tennis star, the former major winner, had lost his last six title deciders, featuring in the German tournament previously this season.
The player's retrieving play style and regular emotional displays on the tennis court had prompted commentators to doubt if his skill to compete at the top level was finished.
However the 29-year-old has made changes in recent weeks, attempting to approach the net and compete positively, reinforced by an better service.
He recovered from a disadvantage in the opening set against the tricky Frenchman, winning four of the last five games to go ahead.
The competitors swapped breaks in the second set before the challenger, attempting for his first ATP Tour victory, took control to push for a decider.
Moutet rescued 4 early-game chances in a tight third set before the Russian won the break to 15 to close out the victory.
Fittingly, the winner earned victory with a point at the front of the court, with his opponent incapable to control a shot after two hours and 38 minutes.
