Rafael Nadal has actually despatched a warning discover to the remainder of the boys’s singles subject with an emphatic show of tennis in opposition to World No. 1 Novak Djokovic within the ultimate of Italian Open 2021 to win his tenth crown in Rome on Sunday. Nadal defeated the highest seed 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 to safe his first title on clay since final yr’s French Open.Nadal has now gained a minimum of 10 titles at 4 completely different tournaments, together with Roland Garros (11 in Monte Carlo, 12 in Barcelona and 13 in Paris). With the win on Sunday, Nadal additionally equalled Djokovic’s document for essentially the most variety of Masters 1000 titles. The two gladiators of the game have 36 Masters 1000 titles every whereas Roger Federer is within the third spot with 28 wins.Nadal, who was knocked out within the quarter-final in Madrid earlier this month, has established his favorite tag to defend the French Open title. Notably, the Spaniard had gained his twentieth Grand Slam title, beating Djokovic in straight units within the Roland Garros ultimate final yr.Djokovic has not crushed Nadal on clay since 2016 whereby he defeated the Spaniard within the quarter-finals at Rome. The Serb has misplaced their final 5 conferences on clay as they lay down the marker for what might be a blockbuster French Open, beginning May 30. Nadal additionally took his head-to-head document to 28-29 after rising profitable within the 57th assembly on the tour.Most titles at single ATP Event:13 – Nadal, Roland Garros12 – Nadal, Barcelona11 – Nadal, Monte Carlo10 – Nadal, Rome10 – Federer, Halle10 – Federer, Basel9 – Djokovic, Aus OpenRome turns into the 4th event @RafaelNadal has was gained 10+ occasions. pic.twitter.com/BXGj6jvkl8— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 16, 2021
Nadal’s forehand play have been a deal with to observe if you weren’t Djokovic because the 20-time Grand Slam champion, hitting 26 forehand winners. He seemed in full management, changing a vital break level earlier than holding serve for the primary set.There was a dip in kind for Nadal because it was Djokovic’s flip to play some effective tennis on the purple grime within the second set. The Serb fully dominated it to pressure a decider. Djokovic had two break factors at 2-2 within the decider however Nadal held his nerves earlier than elevating his sport for a convincing victory in Rome on Sunday.The top-ranked Djokovic spent almost 5 hours on courtroom on Saturday, when he needed to rally for a rain-delayed quarterfinal victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas earlier than successful one other three-setter over native favourite Lorenzo Sonego within the semifinals. Nadal performed solely as soon as on Saturday, beating Reilly Opelka in straight units.