19 of Daniil Medvedev's 21 titles have been earned on hard courts
A revitalized Daniil Medvedev won his maiden championship for over two years with victory over Corentin Moutet in the tournament title decider.
Medvedev, a former number one, has endured a difficult season, managing just one win at the major tournaments and undergoing a meltdown at the New York tournament.
His varied form on the professional circuit - and difficulties with his serving in specific - caused him falling of the elite rankings and finally separating with former trainer his previous coach.
Now training with Thomas Johansson and his other coach, he has consistently improved in the past month - culminating in a closely contested three-set triumph over opponent Moutet.
This marks Medvedev's maiden trophy following the Rome competition and maiden on a hard surface from that period of the previous year.
Success also signifies the Russian has won 21 championships at twenty-one different tournaments.
"It's the first time I have attended a tournament with my children together, so to win a trophy is especially meaningful," commented world number 14 Medvedev.
"This championship is in dedication of my second daughter Victoria, because the first title I achieved when my older daughter Alisa was born was for her."
The tennis star, the former major winner, had lost his previous six finals, featuring in that event in the past months.
The player's retrieving play style and recurring reactions on the playing surface had led commentators to wonder if his ability to play at the highest level was finished.
However the 29-year-old has implemented adjustments in the last few weeks, striving to approach the net and play assertively, backed up by an better serve.
The champion fought back from a disadvantage in the initial set against the tricky Frenchman, taking four of the final five exchanges to gain the advantage.
The pair exchanged service breaks in the middle set before the Frenchman, striving for his maiden tour victory, seized the initiative to push for a final set.
He saved 4 initial chances in a close final set before Medvedev broke to that score to secure the win.
Appropriately, the winner secured victory with a point at the net area, with the Frenchman unable to handle a shot after a lengthy match.
