Comeback Medvedev Secures First Trophy in Over Two Years
Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 victories have been achieved on hardcourt
A resurgent Medvedev claimed his first title for 882 days with success over opponent Moutet in the tournament title decider.
The athlete, a ex- world number one, has had a difficult season, winning just one match at the major tournaments and undergoing a setback at the US Open.
His varied form on the professional circuit - and difficulties with his serving in specific - caused him exiting of the world's top 10 and finally separating with former coach Gilles Cervara.
Now working with Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, he has gradually progressed in the last few weeks - climaxing in a hard-fought competitive victory over challenger Moutet.
It is the player's initial title following the Rome competition and initial on a hard surface since spring of the previous year.
Success also signifies the Russian has achieved 21 victories at twenty-one different tournaments.
"It's the first time I'm at a competition with my children at once, so to secure a trophy is particularly special," commented ranked player Medvedev.
"This championship is in dedication of my child her name, because the first title I won when my first daughter her name was born was for her."
The tennis star, the 2021 US Open champion, had failed in his previous six title deciders, including in the German tournament earlier this year.
Medvedev's retrieving play style and frequent outbursts on court had prompted commentators to doubt if his capacity to play at the elite level was over.
But the player has altered his approach in the last few weeks, striving to come to the net and perform assertively, reinforced by an improved serving game.
The champion recovered from a deficit in the first set against the difficult Moutet, securing 4 of the last five points to take the lead.
The pair traded service breaks in the following set before the challenger, striving for his maiden professional championship, seized the initiative to create a decider.
He saved 4 early-game break points in a close deciding set before the Russian broke to 15 to close out the victory.
Fittingly, he earned victory with a shot at the net area, with Moutet unable to control a shot after over two and a half hours.
