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Friday, October 16, 2026
Golden Arcade Forge

Revitalized Medvedev Claims Maiden Trophy in Over Two Years

Sports Match Photo

Nineteen of the Russian's twenty-one championships have been achieved on hardcourt

A resurgent Medvedev claimed his initial championship for 882 days with a win over opponent Moutet in the Almaty Open title decider.

The athlete, a ex- top-ranked player, has had a challenging season, managing just a single victory at the Grand Slams and undergoing a meltdown at the US Open.

Medvedev's inconsistency on the professional circuit - and difficulties with his serve in especial - resulted in him falling of the elite rankings and eventually splitting with long-time trainer Gilles Cervara.

Now training with Johansson and Goetzke, he has consistently progressed in the past month - culminating in a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-3 triumph over challenger Corentin Moutet.

It is Medvedev's maiden championship after the 2023 Rome Masters and maiden on a hardcourt since that period of the previous year.

The win also indicates the Russian has achieved 21 championships at 21 different competitions.

"It's the first time I am participating in a competition with my two daughters at once, so to win a title is particularly special," said world number 14 the champion.

"This championship is in honour of my child her name, because the first title I won when my child Alisa was born was for her."

Medvedev, the past champion, had been defeated in his past six championship matches, comprising in Halle previously this season.

The player's defensive approach and frequent emotional displays on court had caused observers to wonder if his ability to play at the highest level was concluded.

Yet the athlete has altered his approach in the past month, striving to come to the net and play positively, backed up by an enhanced service.

Medvedev came back from a deficit in the first set against the difficult opponent, taking four of the last five points to take the lead.

Both players traded break points in the following set before Moutet, bidding for his first professional victory, seized the initiative to create a third set.

Moutet rescued four initial break points in a close final set before the Russian broke to fifteen to serve for the match.

Appropriately, Medvedev secured the title with a rally at the front of the court, with Moutet incapable to manage a shot after a lengthy match.

About the author

Stuart Medina

A passionate retro gamer and writer, sharing insights on arcade classics and gaming history.

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