Daniil Medvedev conquered his personal demons as he defended an ATP title for the first time on Sunday with a 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-3 Almaty Open win over Nicoloz Basilashvili.
The trophy in Kazakhstan marked the fourth this season for ATP Finals candidate Medvedev and the 25th of his career.
Despite seasons of success, the former world No. 1 had never managed to repeat a finals victory at the same venue.
“I knew it was just a matter of time, luck, the moment,” he said before heading to the Vienna event.
“I was feeling fresh this week, I’m happy to win here again.”
The 30-year-old world No. 5 maintained his Tour lead with the most hardcourt title this season after claiming his 38th in just under two hours against his Georgian opponent, aged 38 who came through qualifying to reach the title match
He has now won eight straight matches in Almaty.
Medvedev was forced to play catch-up after dropping the opening set but kept his comeback confidence high.
“I knew (winning) would not be easy but I had my chances in the first set and the tiebreaker.
“I thought I would be able to turn it around and I’m happy to win, of course.”
Main photo:-Daniil Medvedev with Almaty trophy in Kazakhstan – by ATPTour.com
