Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been earned on hard courts
A resurgent Medvedev claimed his maiden trophy for nearly 30 months with a win over Corentin Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.
Medvedev, a ex- number one, has had a torrid year, managing just one match at the major tournaments and experiencing a meltdown at the US Open.
Medvedev's varied form on the professional circuit - and difficulties with his serving in particular - caused him exiting of the top ten and ultimately separating with long-time trainer Cervara.
Currently training with Johansson and his other coach, the tennis star has gradually improved in the last few weeks - peaking in a hard-fought competitive victory over opponent Moutet.
It is the player's first championship following the Italian tournament and first on a hardcourt from spring of 2023.
The win also signifies Medvedev has achieved 21 titles at 21 distinct events.
"For the first time I'm at a competition with my children together, so to win a trophy is especially meaningful," commented ranked player Daniil Medvedev.
"This victory is in honour of my child my daughter, because the maiden victory I got when my older daughter my daughter was delivered was for her."
The athlete, the former major winner, had failed in his previous six championship matches, including in that event in the past months.
The player's counter-punching approach and recurring reactions on the playing surface had led some to doubt if his skill to compete at the highest level was finished.
But the 29-year-old has altered his approach in recent weeks, attempting to approach the net and perform positively, backed up by an improved service.
The champion recovered from a deficit in the opening set against the challenging Frenchman, securing four of the last five points to gain the advantage.
The competitors swapped breaks in the middle set before Moutet, striving for his maiden tour championship, seized the initiative to push for a third set.
He rescued four early-game break points in a tight final set before Medvedev broke to fifteen to close out the victory.
Suitably, Medvedev secured the win with a point at the front of the court, with his opponent unable to handle a return after over two and a half hours.
