Ivo Karlovic powered his way to his first career ATP Tour title in Houston on Sunday.

Using an overwhelming serve, Karlovic enjoyed a 6-4 6-1 rout of Mariano Zabaleta in the final of the US Men's Clay Court Championships.

The 6ft 10in Karlovic consistently rifled serves of nearly 140 miles per hour at his Argentinian opponent, finishing with 10 aces.

Ranked 108th in the world, Karlovic was appearing in his second final this year and the third of his career.

The Croatian lost to Andy Roddick in the final at San Jose in February.

Having already conquered second-seeded James Blake, number four seed and defending champion Mardy Fish and fifth seed Jurgen Melzer, Zabaleta failed in his bid to become become the first qualifier to win this event since Fernando Gonzalez in 2000.

The last qualifier to win an ATP title was Nicolas Almagro one year ago in Valencia.

Zabaleta, who is ranked 156th, was seeking his fourth career title.