Nineteen of Daniil Medvedev's 21 championships have been won on hardcourt
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev claimed his first trophy for over two years with success over Corentin Moutet in the competition final.
The Russian, a ex- number one, has had a torrid period, managing just one win at the big events and experiencing a setback at the American major.
The player's unpredictability on the tennis tour - and struggles with his serve in especial - led to him falling of the top ten and finally parting ways with long-term coach Gilles Cervara.
Presently collaborating with his coach and his other coach, he has gradually advanced in the recent weeks - climaxing in a hard-fought competitive victory over opponent Corentin Moutet.
This marks his maiden trophy following the Italian tournament and first on a hard court since March of that year.
The win also indicates he has won 21 victories at twenty-one different competitions.
"For the first time I have attended a tournament with my two daughters simultaneously, so to secure a championship is especially meaningful," stated world number 14 Daniil Medvedev.
"This victory is in honour of my younger daughter my daughter, because the initial championship I won when my first daughter my daughter was born was for her."
Medvedev, the former major winner, had lost his previous six finals, including in that event previously this season.
The player's defensive play style and regular reactions on the playing surface had led some to question if his skill to compete at the highest level was over.
However the athlete has implemented adjustments in the last few weeks, making an effort to approach the net and perform positively, backed up by an improved serve.
The champion recovered from a break down in the initial set against the challenging Frenchman, taking four of the final five exchanges to go ahead.
Both players traded service breaks in the second set before the challenger, bidding for his maiden professional title, took control to push for a final set.
He saved four early-game break points in a tight deciding set before Medvedev secured a break to fifteen to secure the win.
Appropriately, the winner earned the title with a rally at the front of the court, with Moutet incapable to control a volley after a lengthy match.
