Comeback Daniil Medvedev Secures Maiden Trophy in 882 Days
19 of Medvedev's twenty-one championships have been achieved on hard surfaces
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev secured his initial trophy for 882 days with a win over Corentin Moutet in the competition final.
The Russian, a ex- number one, has endured a challenging season, achieving just one win at the big events and experiencing a difficult moment at the American major.
The player's varied form on the ATP Tour - and difficulties with his serve in particular - resulted in him exiting of the world's top 10 and ultimately splitting with long-time mentor Gilles Cervara.
Currently working with Johansson and Goetzke, Medvedev has gradually progressed in the recent weeks - peaking in a hard-fought three-set victory over opponent Corentin Moutet.
This marks Medvedev's initial trophy following the Rome competition and maiden on a hard surface after March of the previous year.
The win also indicates Medvedev has won 21 victories at twenty-one various events.
"For the first time I am participating in a competition with my both daughters simultaneously, so to win a championship is particularly special," said world number 14 Medvedev.
"This championship is in honour of my younger daughter my daughter, because the maiden victory I won when my child my daughter was born was for her."
The tennis star, the former major winner, had been defeated in his last six finals, including in the German tournament earlier this year.
The player's defensive play style and regular reactions on the playing surface had prompted observers to question if his ability to compete at the highest level was concluded.
But the 29-year-old has made changes in the last few weeks, attempting to come to the net and play assertively, backed up by an enhanced service.
Medvedev came back from a break down in the opening set against the tricky opponent, winning 4 of the concluding five games to go ahead.
The pair traded service breaks in the following set before the Frenchman, attempting for his first tour championship, gained dominance to create a decider.
He defended 4 early break points in a tight deciding set before the Russian broke to 15 to serve for the match.
Fittingly, Medvedev clinched victory with a point at the net area, with his opponent failing to handle a return after a lengthy match.
