Ernests Gulbis claimed his first ever ATP Tour title after beating Ivo Karlovic at the Delray Beach International Championships.
The 21-year-old adapted to the blustery conditions better than second seed Karlovic to win 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 20 minutes.
Karlovic, who was celebrating his 31st birthday, had held 46 of his 47 service games to reach the final but was broken four times by the world number 72 who became the first Latvian to win on tour.
"Everything I do now is first time for my country," said Gulbis, who was also playing in his first final.
"Of course it's great. I hope it's positive. I hope much more players will start to practise in Latvia.
"It's good for tennis in Latvia. They see that a guy from Latvia also can make it and win an ATP World Tour event.
"I felt comfortable. I like being in the final. I felt nobody's giving me pressure.
"It was really windy today; it was tough wind. I think he couldn't get really good timing for the serve. He wasn't hitting so many first serves in. I knew what I had to do against him."
Gulbis had to fend off two break-point chances early before reeling off four consecutive games to win the opening set.
In the second set Gulbis broke to go 2-1 ahead before breaking Karlovic again in the ninth game to close out the match.
"He was playing really good. Everything that he hit was in," Karlovic said.
"He was very cool, calm. Nothing could impress him. This year is going to be his breakthrough."
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