Roberto Bautista Agut is the 2016 ASB Classic champion - but in a way few might have predicted.
Opponent Jack Sock retired after the opening game of the second set, trailing 6-1 1-0.
The world No 26 had looked out of sorts from the moment he walked on court, and struggling from the first game.
The American had been experiencing flu-like symptoms for the past few days - and after beating the odds and getting past David Ferrer yesterday in the semifinal - couldn't do it again today.
At times in the first set he was on his haunches between points, and barely had the energy to put in a first serve.
Bautista Agut is a worthy champion - maybe not in the way he would have wanted - but a champion nonetheless.