Revitalized Medvedev Secures First Trophy in 882 Days
19 of Medvedev's 21 championships have been earned on hardcourt
A comeback Daniil Medvedev secured his maiden trophy for nearly 30 months with success over Corentin Moutet in the competition final.
The Russian, a ex- world number one, has had a torrid year, managing just one match at the big events and undergoing a difficult moment at the US Open.
His varied form on the professional circuit - and struggles with his serve in specific - resulted in him exiting of the elite rankings and eventually separating with former mentor his previous coach.
Currently training with his coach and Rohan Goetzke, he has consistently advanced in the past month - culminating in a tightly fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over opponent Moutet.
It is his maiden championship following the Rome competition and initial on a hard court since spring of that year.
The win also means Medvedev has achieved 21 titles at twenty-one distinct tournaments.
"This marks the first occasion I have attended a tournament with my children together, so to win a title is especially meaningful," commented ranked player Medvedev.
"This title is in dedication of my child Victoria, because the first title I won when my child her name was delivered was for her."
Medvedev, the past champion, had been defeated in his past six championship matches, featuring in that event in the past months.
His counter-punching play style and regular emotional displays on the playing surface had prompted commentators to question if his skill to compete at the top level was over.
However the player has made changes in the last few weeks, attempting to approach the net and compete assertively, reinforced by an enhanced serving game.
The champion fought back from a break down in the opening set against the challenging Frenchman, securing four of the final five exchanges to gain the advantage.
Both players swapped breaks in the second set before Moutet, bidding for his initial tour victory, seized the initiative to create a final set.
Moutet defended four early-game opportunities in a tight third set before Medvedev secured a break to fifteen to serve for the match.
Appropriately, he earned the title with a point at the net area, with Moutet incapable to handle a return after two hours and 38 minutes.