Rome, May 16: Rafael Nadal beat world number one Novak Djokovic to win a 10th Italian Open title on Sunday.
Second seed Nadal won the gruelling 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 contest in 2hr 49min against the defending champion in the 57th career showdown between the pair.
“It’s amazing I have this trophy in my hand for a 10th time, it’s something impossible to imagine,” said the Spaniard.
The victory gave second seeded Nadal the 36th ATP Masters 1000 crown, equalling top seeded Djokovic’s all-time record, since the series was established in 1990.
Nadal’s form slipped at one point in time and while Djokovic had two break points at 2-2 in the decider, Nadal held his nerves before claiming victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Nadal improved to 4-2 in Rome finals against Djokovic with the victory
World No.15 Iga Swiatek of Poland was in ruthless form as she routed No. 9 seed Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic 6-0, 6-0 in just 46 minutes to clinch the Italian Open women’s title.
The 19-year old dropped just 13 points in all – four in the first set and nine in the second – and faced only four game points against her.
This was the Polish player’s third career title following the French Open last year and the Adelaide title in February.
Meanwhile, second-seeded Croats Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic powered their way to their sixth Italian Open trophy, overcoming a tough challenge from fifth-seeded Rajeev Ram of the USA and Briton Joe Salisbury before winning the men’s doubles final 6-4, 7-6(4). (Agencies)
