Comeback Medvedev Wins Maiden Title in Over Two Years
19 of Medvedev's twenty-one titles have been won on hard courts
A resurgent the Russian player won his first championship for nearly 30 months with a win over Corentin Moutet in the competition title decider.
The Russian, a ex- top-ranked player, has had a torrid season, achieving just one win at the big events and experiencing a setback at the New York tournament.
His unpredictability on the tennis tour - and issues with his service game in especial - resulted in him exiting of the top ten and ultimately separating with former mentor his previous coach.
Presently working with Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, he has steadily improved in the last few weeks - culminating in a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory over opponent Moutet.
This marks Medvedev's initial trophy following the Rome competition and initial on a hard surface since spring of the previous year.
Victory also means the Russian has won 21 championships at 21 distinct tournaments.
"It's the first time I'm at a event with my two daughters simultaneously, so to win a championship is particularly special," commented tennis professional the champion.
"This title is in dedication of my child my daughter, because the first title I won when my child her name was born was for her."
The tennis star, the past champion, had lost his previous six championship matches, including in Halle previously this season.
His retrieving play style and regular reactions on the playing surface had led some to wonder if his skill to compete at the highest level was over.
However the athlete has made changes in the last few weeks, attempting to advance forward and perform positively, supported by an enhanced service.
He recovered from a disadvantage in the opening set against the difficult opponent, taking 4 of the concluding five games to take the lead.
The competitors traded break points in the second set before Moutet, striving for his maiden tour championship, took control to force a third set.
The opponent defended 4 early opportunities in a close final set before the champion secured a break to that score to close out the victory.
Fittingly, Medvedev earned the title with a rally at the net area, with Moutet unable to manage a shot after over two and a half hours.
