19 of Medvedev's 21 titles have been earned on hard courts
A comeback Daniil Medvedev claimed his first championship for nearly 30 months with success over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The athlete, a former world number one, has endured a torrid year, winning just one win at the major tournaments and suffering a setback at the American major.
The player's unpredictability on the tennis tour - and difficulties with his service game in particular - caused him exiting of the top ten and finally parting ways with long-term mentor his previous coach.
Currently collaborating with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, the tennis star has consistently advanced in the last few weeks - culminating in a tightly fought three-set triumph over opponent Moutet.
This marks the player's maiden trophy since the 2023 Rome Masters and maiden on a hard surface since spring of 2023.
Victory also means Medvedev has won twenty-one victories at 21 various competitions.
"This marks the first occasion I am participating in a competition with my two daughters together, so to get a title is especially meaningful," commented world number 14 the champion.
"This victory is in honour of my child Victoria, because the first title I won when my child my daughter was born was for her."
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, had been defeated in his last six title deciders, comprising in that event in the past months.
His counter-punching play style and recurring reactions on the playing surface had prompted some to wonder if his capacity to compete at the elite level was over.
But the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in the last few weeks, attempting to advance forward and play positively, backed up by an enhanced serving game.
The champion came back from a disadvantage in the initial set against the tricky Moutet, taking 4 of the last five games to gain the advantage.
Both players swapped breaks in the following set before the challenger, attempting for his first professional championship, took control to force a third set.
Moutet rescued four early-game opportunities in a tight final set before the Russian broke to fifteen to serve for the match.
Fittingly, he secured the win with a shot at the net area, with Moutet incapable to control a return after over two and a half hours.
