Rafael Nadal warmed up for the French Open with a battling 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 win over world No.1 Novak Djokovic as the Spaniard claimed a record-extending 10th Italian Open title in Rome on Sunday in the latest chapter of their rivalry.
After a mid-match wobble, Nadal turned up the heat in the decisive moments of his 57th meeting with top seed Djokovic — the pair’s ninth in Rome — to secure the victory over the defending champion in two hours and 49 minutes.
Nadal will now target a 14th French Open crown when the clay court Grand Slam begins on May 30.
Before the final Djokovic had said that the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis have found some “fresh energy” to thwart the charge of younger players on the tour.
The last four ATP Masters 1000 events, the most prestigious tournaments apart from the Grand Slams, have been won by players outside the top trio of Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer.
But top seed Djokovic faced second seed Nadal at the Foro Italico on Sunday for the Rome Masters title.
“Rafa and I had a little laugh today in the locker room after I won against (Stefanos) Tsitsipas,” Djokovic, 33, told reporters after his semi-final win against local favourite Lorenzo Sonego.
“We kind of joked around that the old guys are still not giving up. I saw he said somewhere a few days ago that Roger, him and I are old, but I disagree with him. I think we’re showing some different, fresh energy.”
Iga stuns Pliskova
French Open champion Iga Swiatek served a warning to her rivals ahead of the clay court Grand Slam with a 6-0, 6-0 demolition of former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova in the Italian Open final.
The victory in 46 minutes meant the world No. 15 from Poland will enter the top 10 for the first time when the new rankings are out.
“I’m really happy to win this tournament in Rome,” said Swiatek.