Irresistible Rafael Nadal powers past Novak Djokovic to claim first title of the season
Rafael Nadal was back to his brilliant best as he brushed aside Novak Djokovic to claim the Italian Open title in Rome.
Nadal came into the tournament still searching for his first title of the season after recently being denied at the semi-final stage at both Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, and Madrid.
However, he powered his way past world number one Djokovic, even bageling him in the first set, to finally get his hands on some silverware again.
Djokovic, typically, dug in during the second set, repeatedly denying Nadal a break before gaining a critical one himself in the final game of the set.
That was to be as good as it got for Djokovic, though, with Nadal getting a degree of payback for his Australian Open final humiliation with a 6-0, 4-6, 6-2 success.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
The 2019 French Open: When is it, who are the defending champions, the draw, TV channel, prize money
-
FEATURE: Meet Roy Erskine, Andy Murray’s grandfather and former professional footballer
-
T365 Recall: When Andy Murray cemented his legacy during brilliant 2016 season
-
EXCLUSIVE: Annabel Croft on the ‘identity crisis’ facing the women’s game
-
-
Latest
-
ATP TourDavid Goffin ends long wait for an ATP title with a win in Montpellier
David Goffin captured his first ATP Tour title for more than three years by winning the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.