Frenchman Michael Llodra won his second ATP Tour title on Sunday when he outplayed third seed Jarkko Nieminen of Finland 6-3 6-4 to win the Adelaide International.
Llodra, who only entered the main draw after his countryman Richard Gasquet pulled out on the eve of the event through injury, served and volleyed his way to victory in 76 minutes.
"I came here 10 times and I lost my first final here," Llodra said in a courtside interview.
"So it's great to win here -- Jarkko is a fantastic player, even if he didn't win today.
"It has been a great week, and it's nice to play in such great weather. It's terrible in Paris right now, so it's really nice to play here."
The title was the first for world number 93 Llodra since he won his maiden Tour event in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, in 2004.
Llodra, who did not lose his serve all week, raced out to a perfect start, breaking Nieminen in the second game on his way to a 3-0 lead.
The world number 27 Finn, who has now lost eight of his nine career finals, made little impression on Llodra's serve as the Frenchman took the first set in 34 minutes.
Another early break in the second set put Llodra in full command and he held his nerve to serve out for victory, clinching the title with a winning volley.
"I'd like to congratulate Michael," Nieminen said.
"He had a great week and really deserves to be the champion.
"I had a great week -- not perfect, but still great. It was really great to start the year like this."
