Nadal captures ninth Italian Open title

Rome

World number one Djokovic produced an error-strewn performance in his 54th meeting with second-ranked Nadal, who claimed the 81st title of his career. Nadal overtook Djokovic at the top of the list for Masters wins -- the pair were level at 33 each before Sunday’s final -- in a timely boost ahead of his assault on a 12th French Open crown in a week’s time.

After three semi-final defeats in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid, Nadal returned to his best form ahead of Roland Garros and lifted his first title of the season. The Spaniard dominated early, with Djokovic losing the opener 0-6. But Nadal missed four break chances in the second set, dropping his first set this week after losing serve at 4-5, to throw the Serb a lifeline. The fightback was brief as the 31-year-old Djokovic dropped his serve immediately in the third set, smashing his racket in frustration.

Nadal broke his opponent twice more to seal a third win over Djokovic in their five Rome finals. Nadal, seeded second, was playing his fourth straight semi-final, but had not managed to go further on clay earlier this season.

The 32-year-old had been stunned by Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Madrid Open 2019.

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