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Gilles Muller is no longer the highest-ranked ATP Player without a singles title. The 33-year-old defeated Dan Evans to win his maiden ATP Title at the Apia International Sydney, snapping an 0 for 5 in career finals and ensuring himself a career-high ranking of 28 in the world.

More: Sock Claims Auckland Title, His Second

Muller hit 12 aces and won 33 of 37 first-serve points to claim the 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over the 26-year-old Evans. The Luxembourg native saved the only break point he faced and broke the World No.67’s serve twice on five opportunities to run away with the final set.

After the final an emotional Muller broke down while giving his winner’s speech. “It just means so much to me to win my first title in front of my boys and my wife,” he said, as the tears flowed and applause grew.

Muller will face off with American Taylor Fritz in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday. Evans will square off with Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis on Monday in round one action.

Notes, Numbers

Muller’s first final came in August of 2004. He lost to Lleyton Hewitt in the D.C. final.

Evans rises to a career-high ranking of 51 in the world with the win.

Muller played two finals on grass last season, losing to Nicolas Mahut in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Ivo Karlovic in Newport.

2017 marks the third straight year that a 30-plus aged player has claimed a maiden title on the ATP Tour. Victor Estrella Burgos claimed his first title at 34 in 2015; Paolo Lorenzi claimed his first title at 34 last year.

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