Rafael Nadal beat world primary Novak Djokovic to win a 10th Italian Open title on Sunday and set down a key marker two weeks out from the defence of his Roland Garros crown.
Second seed Nadal received by 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 in 2hr 49min towards the defending champion within the 57th profession showdown between the pair.
“It’s wonderful I’ve this trophy in my fingers for a 10th time, one thing unattainable to think about,” said the world number three who also equalled Djokovic’s record of 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles in his 12th Rome final.
“I remember the first final I won here in Rome back in 2005 against (Guillermo) Coria which lasted five hours,” recalled the 34-year-old of his five-set battle previous the Argentine.
Djokovic and Nadal had been dealing with one another for the 57th time, having final performed within the 2020 French Open ultimate which the Spaniard received in straight units.
The pair have received 15 of the final 17 Rome titles between them, whereas Nadal leads their head-to-head in finals within the Italian capital 4-2.
“I actually wished this title. This had been some of the vital titles in my profession. I’d received 10 in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Roland Garros and actually wished it right here too,” added Nadal.
Despite losing his opening service game Nadal broke back in the third game hitting twice as many winners as the Serb with 21 in the set.
A dip in form in the second set allowed Djokovic to break twice and get back into the game.
But Nadal got back on track in the third with Djokovic having played nearly five hours on court on Saturday between his rain-delayed quarter-finals and semi-final matches.
The Spaniard saved two break points on his serve in the fifth game and broke for love for 4-2.
Djokovic saved a first match point in the eighth game but Nadal made no mistake on his second chance in the following to seal his 88th career title after winning in Barcelona earlier this month.
“It doesn’t get a bigger challenge than playing in the final against Rafa,” stated five-time Rome winner Djokovic, who leads their total head-to-head 29-28.
“Overall three hours of top quality tennis. I’m disenchanted not to win, however happy with my stage.
“Going into Paris it’s a superb sensation. I really feel like I would like to really feel on clay. If I play like I did final night time and right now I believe I’ve a shot in Paris.
“I’ll play in Belgrade and then go to Paris prepared to rock and roll.”
Nadal has now won 10 or more titles at a single event for the fourth time, after Roland Garros (13), Barcelona (12) and Monte Carlo (11).
The French Open gets underway in Paris on May 30 where Nadal will be chasing a record 21st Grand Slam title.
Djokovic, the 2016 champion at Roland Garros, will be hoping to become the first man in over half a century and just the third in history to win all four majors more than once.
Read all of the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News right here
