Novak Djokovic landed his first title since January as he triumphed at the Aegon International in Eastbourne.
An assured victory over Gael Monfils gave the Serbian the perfect boost ahead of Wimbledon, and justified his late decision to head to the south coast for a week of match practice.
Djokovic came through 6-3 6-4 against Frenchman Monfils, and now heads to London in pursuit of a fourth Wimbledon success.
Victory maintained Djokovic's 100 per cent record against Monfils, who took the result in good humour and said: "We played 14 times and it's 14-0, so well done again."
Champion Djokovic said on Eurosport: "This is the best possible build-up and preparation for what's coming next week and hopefully I'll be able to take it from here."
Djokovic has spoken this week about feeling "liberated" of pressure after a dip in form, which has seen him relinquish all four of the grand slams that he owned 12 months ago.
The Serbian feels the focus is on others, but that could soon change.
He has steadily played himself into form, and will feel a growing confidence when he begins his campaign in SW19 against Slovakia's Martin Klizan on Tuesday.
With Andre Agassi already on his coaching team for the coming fortnight, Djokovic has made a second addition to his ranks by bringing in the former Wimbledon semi-finalist Mario Ancic as extra support.
That was confirmed by the world number four on Saturday, with 33-year-old Ancic, now an investment banker, being drawn back to tennis on a short-term arrangement.
Djokovic began 2017 by beating Andy Murray to claim a title in Doha but by his high standards it had been a lean year since.
