🔗 Share this article Comeback Medvedev Secures Maiden Championship in 882 Days Nineteen of the Russian's 21 victories have been earned on hard courts A resurgent Medvedev secured his initial championship for 882 days with victory over opponent Moutet in the competition final. The Russian, a ex- top-ranked player, has experienced a difficult season, winning just one match at the big events and experiencing a meltdown at the New York tournament. His varied form on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his serve in especial - resulted in him exiting of the world's top 10 and finally parting ways with former trainer Gilles Cervara. Now collaborating with Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, Medvedev has gradually progressed in the last few weeks - climaxing in a closely contested three-set victory over Frenchman Moutet. This represents Medvedev's maiden title since the Rome competition and maiden on a hard court since March of the previous year. Victory also means the Russian has achieved twenty-one titles at 21 different competitions. "It's the first time I'm at a tournament with my two daughters at once, so to secure a trophy is really nice," commented world number 14 the champion. "This victory is in dedication of my second daughter Victoria, because the maiden victory I achieved when my child my daughter was delivered was for her." Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, had been defeated in his last six title deciders, comprising in that event earlier this year. Medvedev's counter-punching approach and frequent outbursts on court had prompted some to question if his ability to compete at the top level was finished. Yet the 29-year-old has made changes in the last few weeks, making an effort to approach the net and play aggressively, supported by an better service. The champion came back from a break down in the opening set against the difficult opponent, winning 4 of the final five exchanges to take the lead. The competitors swapped break points in the middle set before Moutet, bidding for his first tour victory, seized the initiative to create a decider. The opponent saved 4 initial opportunities in a competitive final set before the champion secured a break to that score to serve for the match. Fittingly, he secured victory with a point at the net area, with his opponent incapable to manage a shot after two hours and 38 minutes.