19 of Daniil Medvedev's twenty-one titles have been earned on hardcourt
A revitalized Medvedev secured his initial championship for 882 days with success over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open final.
The Russian, a former top-ranked player, has had a challenging period, achieving just one win at the major tournaments and experiencing a setback at the New York tournament.
The player's inconsistency on the tennis tour - and difficulties with his serve in specific - resulted in him exiting of the elite rankings and ultimately parting ways with long-term trainer Gilles Cervara.
Presently collaborating with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, the tennis star has steadily improved in the past month - culminating in a tightly fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over challenger Moutet.
It is his first trophy after the Rome competition and initial on a hard court after March of 2023.
The win also means Medvedev has won twenty-one victories at twenty-one distinct tournaments.
"For the first time I have attended a event with my two daughters together, so to get a title is particularly special," stated ranked player Daniil Medvedev.
"This championship is in dedication of my younger daughter Victoria, because the maiden victory I won when my child my daughter was born was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had lost his previous six finals, featuring in Halle earlier this year.
His retrieving approach and recurring reactions on the playing surface had caused observers to wonder if his skill to compete at the top level was over.
But the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in recent weeks, attempting to advance forward and play aggressively, reinforced by an improved service.
The champion came back from a deficit in the opening set against the tricky opponent, securing four of the last five games to gain the advantage.
The pair exchanged break points in the following set before the challenger, attempting for his maiden professional title, took control to force a third set.
He rescued four early-game chances in a competitive final set before the Russian secured a break to that score to close out the victory.
Fittingly, the winner clinched victory with a shot at the net, with the Frenchman unable to manage a volley after over two and a half hours.
