The long wait for the 21st ATP title is over for Daniil Medvedev. The former world No.1 defeated France’s Corentin Moutet in a thrilling Almaty Open final on Sunday, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, to register his 21st title in 21 different cities.
“Winning is a great feeling,” said a jubilant Medvedev. “And that means that in the most important points of the match I managed to play well. The last match was actually incredible and I’m happy to win the title.
“It continues my funny story with 21 titles in 21 cities, so I’m very happy about that.”
In a spirited, back-and-forth battle, Medvedev went to the net 54 times and held his ground in the toughest moments against an inspired Moutet, who was bidding for his first ATP title but instead fell to 0-3 lifetime in finals.
It wasn’t for lack of trying.
After taking the opening set down a split, Moutet took the middle set with dazzling tennis. He matched Medvedev in the deciding set as well, saving four break points to hold 2-2, and holding serve until the former no. The world No. 1 engineered the critical break for 5-3 in the third set.
Medvedev served out the match from there, ending the contest with a superb championship point that was a microcosm of this entertaining battle.
Medvedev had not won a title since taking the trophy in Rome in 2023.
He dedicated the title to his second daughter, Victoria, who was present at the final.
“I want to thank my family, my beautiful wife and my two daughters,” he said. “It’s the first time I’m in a tournament with my two daughters and my wife together, to get a title is very nice. I dedicate this title to my second daughter Victoria.”
