Revitalized Medvedev Secures Maiden Trophy in Over Two Years
Nineteen of Medvedev's twenty-one titles have been earned on hardcourt
A revitalized the Russian player claimed his initial trophy for 882 days with victory over Corentin Moutet in the competition title decider.
The Russian, a ex- number one, has endured a challenging period, winning just one match at the big events and experiencing a meltdown at the American major.
Medvedev's unpredictability on the ATP Tour - and struggles with his serving in especial - resulted in him falling of the world's top 10 and eventually parting ways with former mentor his previous coach.
Currently working with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, the tennis star has gradually improved in the last few weeks - culminating in a hard-fought three-set victory over opponent Moutet.
It is Medvedev's initial trophy following the Rome competition and first on a hardcourt since spring of the previous year.
Victory also signifies the Russian has won twenty-one championships at 21 distinct tournaments.
"For the first time I have attended a tournament with my two daughters at once, so to win a title is really nice," said world number 14 the champion.
"This championship is in tribute of my child my daughter, because the initial championship I won when my child her name was delivered was for her."
The athlete, the past champion, had failed in his previous six championship matches, including in the German tournament in the past months.
The player's defensive strategy and frequent reactions on the tennis court had prompted commentators to wonder if his skill to perform at the highest level was concluded.
Yet the player has made changes in the last few weeks, attempting to advance forward and play positively, reinforced by an enhanced serving game.
Medvedev fought back from a break down in the opening set against the challenging Frenchman, securing 4 of the last five games to take the lead.
The pair swapped break points in the second set before Moutet, attempting for his first ATP Tour championship, seized the initiative to push for a decider.
He saved four early-game chances in a close deciding set before the champion broke to that score to secure the win.
Fittingly, he clinched the title with a rally at the net area, with Moutet failing to handle a volley after a lengthy match.
