19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been won on hard courts
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev claimed his first trophy for nearly 30 months with victory over opponent Moutet in the tournament championship match.
Medvedev, a ex- number one, has had a challenging season, managing just one match at the Grand Slams and experiencing a setback at the American major.
The player's unpredictability on the professional circuit - and difficulties with his serve in particular - resulted in him exiting of the top ten and finally splitting with long-term mentor Cervara.
Now collaborating with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, he has steadily improved in the last few weeks - peaking in a closely contested competitive victory over Frenchman Moutet.
This marks his initial trophy after the Italian tournament and maiden on a hard surface since March of 2023.
Victory also indicates the Russian has achieved twenty-one victories at 21 different events.
"For the first time I have attended a event with my both daughters together, so to secure a trophy is really nice," stated world number 14 the champion.
"This title is in tribute of my younger daughter my daughter, because the maiden victory I got when my child her name was delivered was for her."
The athlete, the 2021 US Open champion, had lost his past six title deciders, featuring in that event in the past months.
His defensive play style and regular outbursts on court had prompted commentators to question if his ability to play at the elite level was finished.
But the player has implemented adjustments in the past month, making an effort to come to the net and play assertively, supported by an enhanced serving game.
The champion recovered from a deficit in the opening set against the difficult Frenchman, taking 4 of the last five exchanges to take the lead.
Both players swapped break points in the following set before Moutet, striving for his initial tour championship, took control to force a final set.
He defended four early-game opportunities in a competitive final set before the champion secured a break to fifteen to serve for the match.
Fittingly, he earned the title with a rally at the net area, with the Frenchman unable to handle a return after a lengthy match.
