Arthur Fils claimed his first ATP title in 18 months after a straight-sets victory over Andrey Rublev in the Barcelona Open final.

The Frenchman survived a stubborn fightback from his opponent in the second set to prevail 6-2 7-6 (7-2) and seal the fourth ATP silverware of his career.

Fils, who saved two match points against compatriot Terence Atmane in round one, recovered from a slow start and early break, reeling off six straight games to eventually race away with the opening set.

The world number 30 threatened to do the same as he served for the championship at 5-2 up in the second set. 

However, Rublev came roaring back, rescuing three championship points as he won four successive games to lead 6-5.

Nevertheless, ninth seed Fils responded to force a tie-break, in which he won seven straight points to secure his first title since returning from a long-term back injury last year.

Data Debrief: Fils matches Monfils

Fils, who struck 31 winners to his opponent's 10 and won 68% (26/38) of his first-serve points, became only the second Frenchman to triumph at Barcelona in the Open Era, 41 years after Thierry Tulasne.

The 21-year-old is also the lowest-ranked winner of this tournament since Gaston Gaudio in 2002.

Fils also matched Gael Monfils for the joint-most ATP 500 titles among Frenchmen (both three). Meanwhile, only Carlos Alcaraz (nine) and Jannik Sinner (seven) have won more such events among players born in the 2000s.