The long wait for a 21st ATP title has ended for Daniil Medvedev. The former world No.1 defeated Frenchman Corentin Moutet in a thrilling Almaty Open final on Sunday, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, to record his 21st title in 21 different cities.
“To win feels amazing,” an elated Medvedev said. “And it means that in the most important points of the match I managed to play good. The last game was actually incredible, and I’m happy to win the title.
“It continues my funny story of 21 titles in 21 cities, so I’m very happy about it.”
In a spirited, back-and-forth tussle, Medvedev came to the net 54 times and held his ground through the toughest moments against an inspired Moutet, who was bidding for his maiden ATP title but instead dropped to 0-3 lifetime in finals.
It wasn’t for lack of trying.
After dropping the opening set from a break up, Moutet claimed the middle set with dazzling tennis. He was in lockstep with Medvedev in the deciding set as well, saving four break points to hold for 2-2, and remaining on serve until the former world No.1 engineered the critical break for 5-3 in set three.
Medvedev served the match out from there, finishing the contest with a brilliant championship point that was a microcosm of this entertaining battle.
Medvedev had not won a title since he claimed the trophy in Rome in 2023.
He dedicated the title to his second daughter, Victoria, who was in attendance for the final.
“I want to thank my family, my beautiful wife and my two daughters,” he said. “It’s the first time I’m at a tournament with my two daughters and my wife together, to get a title is really nice. I dedicate this title to my second daughter Victoria.”
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