Sydney International: Viktor Troicki wins first title since dope test ban

Viktor Troicki's only other ATP title was the 2010 Kremlin Cup, where he beat Marcos Baghdatis in the final

Viktor Troicki has won his first ATP title since serving a one-year ban for missing a dope test.

The 28-year-old Serb beat fellow qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin 6-2 6-3 to win the Sydney International.

Troicki, who returned to action last July, took just over an hour to claim victory and paid tribute to his coaching team for sticking with him.

"They were with me throughout the hardest time," he said. "They stood by me and I really appreciate that."

A rampant Troicki was too strong for his opponent and served 13 aces during a one-sided contest.

Once ranked 12th in the world, Troicki's victory will send him back towards the top 50 and is a big boost ahead of his first-round tie at the Australian Open on Monday against Czech Jiri Vesely.