Daniil Medvedev defends Almaty Open title, clinches fourth trophy of season

Medvedev makes history with first successful title defence

Daniil Medvedev ended a long wait for a milestone in his career on Sunday, successfully defending a tour-level title for the first time as he beat Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili to win the Almaty Open for a second consecutive year.

The top seed recovered from a first-set setback to register a 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-3 victory in the ATP 250 final, securing his fourth title of the season and the 25th of his career. The World No. 5 needed one hour and 53 minutes to overcome the five-time ATP Tour champion and add an indoor hard-court trophy to a season that had already brought him titles in Brisbane, Dubai and Chengdu.

Medvedev rallies after losing opening set

Medvedev had his opportunities in the opening set but failed to convert a set point in the tie-break, allowing Basilashvili to take the early advantage. The Russian responded emphatically in the second set, breaking his opponent in the second and sixth games before holding serve to level the contest.

The former World No. 1 carried that momentum into the decider, breaking early to put Basilashvili under pressure. He then secured another break in the ninth game to close out the match and seal the title.

"It is just a matter of time, luck, a moment," Medvedev said on finally defending a tour-level title. "I was feeling fresh, physically good. Sascha (Bublik) being injured in the semis gave me an extra push in the final, and I am happy to finally do it."

Reflecting on the contest, Medvedev admitted that the opening set could have gone his way but was pleased with how he responded. "It was not easy, but I had my chances in the first set. I got a bit unlucky," he said. "I knew I would probably have my chances to turn the match around, and it was not easy. But I am happy to win."

ATP Finals qualification hopes receive a boost

The Almaty triumph has given Medvedev's bid to reach the ATP Finals a significant lift. Having missed last year's season-ending championship, the Russian is now fifth in the live race to Turin with 2,670 points. He holds a 790-point advantage over Australia's Alex de Minaur, who sits 10th in the standings and is currently the first player outside the qualification positions.