Roberto Bautista Agut doubled his trophy haul for 2018 when he defeated Lucas Pouille 6-3, 6-4 in the Dubai final, preventing the Frenchman from reaching the world top 10 for the first time. The third-seeded Spaniard, ranked 23rd, now owns eight career titles after starting this season with success in Auckland. "It's special to win here, I've been working hard," the champion said. "I was prepared to manage the emotions. I played very well this week.
"I've started the season very well, my level is increasing." Dubai-based Pouille, champion last month in Montpellier and finalist last weekend in Marseille, gave all credit to his opponent in the 81-minute final.