Former world number one Daniil Medvedev finally broke through his prolonged title drought, claiming the Almaty Open championship with a hard-fought 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory over France's Corentin Moutet on October 19, 2025. The triumph ended an agonizing 882-day wait for the Russian star, whose last title came at the Rome Masters in 2023.

The two-hour-and-40-minute battle in Kazakhstan showcased both players' resilience, with momentum swinging throughout the match. Medvedev seized the opening set 7-5, but Moutet, competing in his third career ATP final, refused to capitulate. The 25-year-old Frenchman stormed back to level the match at one set apiece with a 6-4 second-set victory, raising hopes for his maiden ATP title.

However, the 38-year-old Medvedev's experience proved decisive in the final set. Drawing on his championship pedigree, the 2021 US Open champion elevated his game when it mattered most, breaking Moutet's resistance to close out the decider 6-3 and secure his 21st ATP Tour title.

The victory held special significance beyond ending the lengthy drought. For the first time in his decorated career, Medvedev celebrated a title with his wife and both daughters present courtside. In his emotional post-match comments, the Russian dedicated the trophy to his daughter Victoria, making the moment even more poignant for the champion.

For Moutet, the loss marked another near-miss in his pursuit of a breakthrough ATP title. Despite falling to 0-3 in tour-level finals, the left-hander's run in Almaty demonstrated his continued progress, though Medvedev now leads their head-to-head series 2-1.

The timing of Medvedev's resurgence comes at a crucial juncture in the season. Earlier in the week, he qualified for the ATP Finals for the 18th time, tying Roger Federer's all-time record for appearances at the prestigious year-end championship. The Almaty title provides vital momentum as he prepares for the season's climax in Turin.

Meanwhile, questions remain about Medvedev's remaining schedule. While he has committed to the ATP 250 event in Athens, his participation in other tournaments before the ATP Finals remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that after 882 days in the wilderness, Medvedev has rediscovered his winning formula at precisely the right moment.