Novak Djokovic has defeated Rafael Nadal, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 for the Internazionali BNL d'Italia title. The victory is Djokovic's 19th Masters 1000 title and it improves his career record against Rafael Nadal to 19-22.
The victory sets up an exciting story line for the French Open, which begins on May 25. Djokovic now owns four victories over Nadal on clay, but he has never defeated the king of clay at Roland Garros.
Here are some highlights and tweets from Sunday's final.
Set 1
There were highlights:
There were lowlights:
And there was even a strange milestone:
Set 2
When it comes to baseline rallies, NOBODY does it like Djokovic and Nadal.
And the battle is on...
They are the conquerors of Rome, but only one can take the title.
Djokovic, bothered by some children in the crowd who are shuffling about, drops serve to give up his early lead...
Meanwhile, Rafa's court positioning has become more defensive. Will he move back into the court and take the third set with aggression?
Not even this otherworldy dropper could save Rafa. We are going three...
Set 3
An early break from the Serb gave kept the momentum going.
Most people seem to say yes (and history agrees...)
This is what we want, this is what we pay for!!!!
Second that emotion...
They really are embracing Nole in Roma as he breaks for 4-3. Must be his fluent Italian???
Djokovic, peaking at the right time...
And it's Djokovic with the win. His 19th Masters 1000 title and his 19th win over Rafael Nadal. Well played, indeed...
Next stop, Paris.
And one final, meaningful gesture from Djokovic...