Daniil Medvedev ended the worst streak of his career! The former world no. 1 conquered the ATP 250 title in Almaty, lifting his 21st ATP trophy and the first since May 2023!
The Russian collected five ATP titles in the first five months of 2023 before failing to go all the way in 51 consecutive tournaments! He finally changed that in Almaty following a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Corentin Moutet in two hours and 36 minutes.
The Frenchman fought well and missed his chances in the opening set, having led 4-2 before the Russian turned the tables. Corentin delivered two breaks in the second set before Daniil rattled off three games at 3-3 in the decider to emerge at the top.
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The 2nd seed claimed six points more than his rival. He denied two of five break points and claimed four return games from nine chances to emerge at the top and end his drought.
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Medvedev had a slim advantage in the shortest and mid-range exchanges, while nothing separated them in the mid-range ones. The Russian wasted a game point in the first game of the duel and suffered a break after a double fault.
Moutet delivered three fine holds and forged a 4-2 advantage before spraying a forehand error in game eight to bring his rival back to the positive side. Daniil made a push on the return from 0-30 at 6-5 and claimed four straight points to claim the first part of the match in 51 minutes.
The Frenchman broke his racket after the last point and made a fresh start in sets number two. He clinched a break in the first game before dropping serve at 3-2 after Medvedev's winner at the net.
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Daniil played a poor service game a few minutes later, netting a forehand and falling 4-3 behind. A left-hander served for the set at 5-4 and attacked on a set point, drawing the rival's mistake and forcing a decider after an hour and 38 minutes.
Medvedev regrouped and served well in the decider, keeping the pressure on the opponent who chased his first ATP title. Corentin denied four break points in the fourth game and held to remain on the positive side.
However, the Frenchman netted a smash in the eighth game and offered his rival three break chances. The Russian seized the second with a forced error, moving 5-3 in front and closer to the finish line.
Daniil claimed an entertaining point at the net on a match point, sealing the deal and celebrating his first ATP title in two and a half years.
