Chalien Dantes/Contributor

Daniil Medvedev finally ended a nearly three-year title drought with a gritty win over Corentin Moutet at the Almaty Open today (October 19) in Kazakhstan. 

The Russian former world number one battled through a rough season, struggling at the Grand Slams and exiting the US Open early to capture his first trophy in 882 days.

Medvedev, who had dropped out of the top 10 and parted ways with longtime coach Gilles Cervara, has found new momentum with Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke. That progress showed in a hard-fought 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Moutet, with the win making it his first hard-court title since March 2023 and his 21st tournament win at 21 different venues.

The match was a rollercoaster. Medvedev clawed back from a first-set deficit, winning four of the final five games. The second set swung in Moutet’s favour, forcing a decider, but Medvedev’s improved serve and aggressive play carried him through. He broke late in the third, then closed it out at the net after 2 hours and 38 minutes of intense rallies.

Medvedev showed a refreshed game moving forward, finishing points at the net, and displaying newfound composure.

After six straight final losses earlier this year, this victory feels like a revival for the 29-year-old, proving he’s still a force at the top of men’s tennis.