Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 victories have been won on hard courts
A resurgent Daniil Medvedev secured his maiden title for 882 days with a win over Frenchman Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The Russian, a former number one, has endured a torrid period, managing just a single victory at the Grand Slams and experiencing a meltdown at the American major.
His varied form on the professional circuit - and difficulties with his serving in particular - led to him falling of the top ten and finally splitting with long-time trainer his previous coach.
Presently collaborating with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, he has gradually progressed in the recent weeks - peaking in a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 triumph over challenger Moutet.
It is the player's initial trophy since the Italian tournament and initial on a hardcourt since that period of 2023.
The win also means the Russian has achieved 21 victories at 21 different competitions.
"It's the first time I am participating in a tournament with my two daughters together, so to win a title is really nice," said world number 14 Daniil Medvedev.
"This championship is in tribute of my younger daughter her name, because the first title I won when my first daughter my daughter was born was for her."
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, had failed in his past six finals, featuring in that event in the past months.
His counter-punching play style and recurring emotional displays on the playing surface had led observers to doubt if his capacity to compete at the elite level was over.
However the athlete has implemented adjustments in recent weeks, striving to come to the net and play assertively, reinforced by an better service.
The champion came back from a break down in the first set against the difficult Moutet, winning four of the concluding five games to gain the advantage.
Both players swapped breaks in the second set before Moutet, bidding for his first ATP Tour championship, took control to force a decider.
The opponent saved four initial chances in a tight third set before Medvedev secured a break to that score to close out the victory.
Fittingly, the winner secured the win with a point at the net area, with Moutet failing to handle a shot after a lengthy match.
