Viktor Troicki claimed his second career ATP World Tour title as he beat fellow qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin at the Apia International in Sydney.
Troicki, ranked 92nd in the world, triumphed 6-2 6-3 in the first ATP final to be contested by two qualifiers.
The 28-year-old Serbian, seeking to climb back up the rankings after serving a one-year ban for a failed drugs test, claimed his first title since the 2010 Kremlin Cup.
He previously reached the final of this tournament in 2011 but lost out to Gilles Simon.
Troicki dominated the match, serving 13 aces to just one from Kukushkin, and wrapping up victory in under 65 minutes.
Kukushkin was not helped by an apparent thigh injury. He received treatment at 4-1 down in the second set and rallied to win the next two games, his first break of serve, but Troicki quickly broke back on his way to victory.
Troicki spoke about his long road back after lifting the trophy.
“There are a lot of emotions,” he said. “It’s been a tough road, a lot of work, and it paid off with a nice title. If I look back to where I was five, six months ago, it’s amazing to have a title already. So it’s a really nice moment for me and for all my team. It’s very emotional.
“I’ve got to say I have been working harder than ever probably, and I feel very, very fit. I didn’t have any problems. I had eight matches here and luckily I haven’t had problems. I feel very fresh again.
“I feel I can go again good on Monday (when the Australian Open starts). Definitely I was working hard and that’s paying off. I have inside myself trust in my body, and I feel I can do a lot of things.”
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