Resurgent Medvedev Claims First Championship in Over Two Years
Nineteen of the Russian's 21 championships have been earned on hardcourt
A revitalized Medvedev won his initial trophy for 882 days with success over opponent Moutet in the competition championship match.
The Russian, a former number one, has had a challenging season, winning just one match at the major tournaments and undergoing a setback at the US Open.
The player's inconsistency on the professional circuit - and issues with his serving in particular - resulted in him dropping out of the world's top 10 and ultimately separating with long-term coach Gilles Cervara.
Presently working with Johansson and Goetzke, he has consistently improved in the recent weeks - climaxing in a tightly fought three-set win over challenger Moutet.
This marks his initial title since the Italian tournament and maiden on a hard surface since that period of that year.
Success also signifies Medvedev has achieved 21 victories at 21 different events.
"It's the first time I'm at a event with my children simultaneously, so to get a championship is particularly special," said world number 14 Medvedev.
"This title is in dedication of my second daughter Victoria, because the initial championship I achieved when my older daughter Alisa was born was for her."
The athlete, the past champion, had been defeated in his past six title deciders, including in that event in the past months.
The player's defensive play style and recurring outbursts on the tennis court had prompted commentators to doubt if his capacity to play at the highest level was concluded.
However the player has altered his approach in the last few weeks, attempting to come to the net and play positively, backed up by an enhanced service.
He recovered from a disadvantage in the first set against the tricky Frenchman, securing four of the last five points to go ahead.
The competitors exchanged service breaks in the middle set before the challenger, attempting for his maiden ATP Tour victory, gained dominance to push for a third set.
He rescued four early-game opportunities in a tight deciding set before Medvedev won the break to 15 to close out the victory.
Appropriately, he clinched the win with a rally at the net area, with his opponent unable to manage a shot after two hours and 38 minutes.
