Resurgent Medvedev Secures Maiden Title in Nearly 30 Months
19 of the Russian's 21 victories have been won on hardcourt
A comeback Medvedev claimed his initial championship for nearly 30 months with a win over Corentin Moutet in the competition final.
The Russian, a ex- number one, has endured a challenging season, achieving just one match at the Grand Slams and experiencing a setback at the New York tournament.
His unpredictability on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his service game in especial - led to him exiting of the top ten and finally splitting with long-time mentor Gilles Cervara.
Now collaborating with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, Medvedev has gradually improved in the past month - culminating in a tightly fought three-set victory over challenger Moutet.
It is the player's initial title after the Italian tournament and first on a hardcourt from spring of the previous year.
Success also signifies Medvedev has achieved 21 victories at twenty-one distinct events.
"It's the first time I am participating in a event with my children simultaneously, so to secure a title is really nice," stated world number 14 the champion.
"This title is in honour of my second daughter Victoria, because the initial championship I achieved when my older daughter her name was born was for her."
The athlete, the former major winner, had lost his previous six finals, featuring in that event previously this season.
The player's counter-punching play style and regular emotional displays on the playing surface had prompted some to question if his ability to compete at the highest level was finished.
However the athlete has implemented adjustments in the past month, making an effort to advance forward and perform positively, reinforced by an better service.
Medvedev recovered from a break down in the first set against the difficult Frenchman, winning four of the final five points to take the lead.
The pair swapped break points in the middle set before the challenger, attempting for his initial professional victory, seized the initiative to push for a third set.
He saved 4 early break points in a tight deciding set before the Russian broke to fifteen to serve for the match.
Fittingly, Medvedev clinched the title with a shot at the net, with Moutet unable to manage a volley after a lengthy match.
