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The eighth seed was nearly untouchable on serve, winning 29 consecutive first-serve points before surrendering one early in the second set. He finished the one-hour, 37-minute match having won 37 of 39 first-serve points (95 per cent), according to Infosys ATP Stats.

Machac is the third Czech to claim an ATP 500 trophy, alongside former Top 10 players Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek.

“The emotions right now are just relief, because it was a tough week. Especially when I have this form, I don't like to lose in the final,” Machac said. “I’m really happy that I managed to win today because Alejandro was playing really, really good. It was a tough battle.

“I was serving really well. I think without the serve today, I don’t think [it would’ve] been two sets.”

Machac was near flawless from the baseline, capitalising on serve-plus-one opportunities and dictating rallies with his forehand. He saved a set point at 5/6 in the first-set tie-break with a booming serve that drew a backhand error from the Spaniard. 

Machac maintained his aggression and never wavered from his high level, winning five consecutive games to seal the title. At 2-2, 15/15 in the second set, Davidovich Fokina approached the net but hesitated, letting Machac’s slice backhand go by — thinking it was heading long, only for the ball to land on the baseline. Machac earned his first break of the match that game.

Entering the week, Machac was the highest-ranked player without a tour-level title. He has moved up five places to No. 20 in the ATP Live Rankings. Machac was World No. 65 just 12 months ago.

“I told [my coach] two weeks ago that I struggle sometimes with the big matches and I don’t know how to manage these situations… So I will try to speak more often,” Machac said.

Davidovich Fokina was competing in his third tour-level final and second this season (Delray Beach).