Intro:

Ernests Gulbis (LAT) defeated Federico Delbonis (ARG) 6-1 7-6 (5) in the Nice Open final on Saturday to win his maiden title on clay and his sixth trophy in six finals.

Script:

Federico Delbonis of Argentina faced Latvian Ernests Gulbis in the Nice Open final on Saturday.

In the French city on the Côte d’Azur, Gulbis unleashed a tidal wave of a serve as he swept to victory in the first set.

The waters were a little more choppy for the world number 19 as Delbonis won this point with a forehand winner. Gulbis appeared to be angry the Argentine's serve wasn't called out.

But the 25-year-old weathered the storm and won the second set tie break to win 6-1, 7-6 and lift his first trophy on clay.

Gulbis dedicated his success to a friend who died recently:

SOUNDBITE (English): Ernests Gulbis, Open de Nice winner:

"One last thing, but not the least, I want to dedicate this win to a really close friend of mine who unfortunately passed away a couple of weeks ago, my friend from Latvia. I want to dedicate this win to him. Thank you."

Gulbis will be hoping the current stays with him at the French Open, where he plays Łukasz Kubot in the opening round on Monday.