Resurgent Medvedev Wins Maiden Trophy in Nearly 30 Months
Nineteen of the Russian's 21 championships have been earned on hard courts
A resurgent the Russian player secured his first championship for over two years with a win over opponent Moutet in the tournament title decider.
Medvedev, a ex- number one, has had a challenging year, managing just a single victory at the Grand Slams and suffering a meltdown at the American major.
His varied form on the tennis tour - and difficulties with his serve in particular - resulted in him falling of the top ten and finally splitting with long-time mentor Cervara.
Presently working with Johansson and Goetzke, Medvedev has gradually progressed in the past month - culminating in a tightly fought competitive win over challenger Corentin Moutet.
This represents Medvedev's maiden title after the Rome competition and first on a hardcourt from spring of the previous year.
Success also indicates he has secured twenty-one titles at twenty-one distinct competitions.
"This marks the first occasion I'm at a tournament with my both daughters together, so to win a trophy is especially meaningful," commented ranked player Medvedev.
"This victory is in honour of my younger daughter Victoria, because the maiden victory I won when my first daughter my daughter was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the past champion, had been defeated in his past six championship matches, comprising in Halle in the past months.
His defensive approach and recurring outbursts on court had led some to doubt if his ability to compete at the top level was over.
But the athlete has altered his approach in the last few weeks, attempting to come to the net and compete positively, supported by an improved serving game.
Medvedev fought back from a break down in the initial set against the challenging opponent, securing 4 of the final five points to take the lead.
The competitors traded break points in the middle set before Moutet, attempting for his maiden professional victory, gained dominance to push for a third set.
Moutet saved 4 early opportunities in a tight final set before Medvedev broke to 15 to close out the victory.
Fittingly, the winner earned victory with a shot at the front of the court, with his opponent incapable to control a shot after a lengthy match.
