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
-
Tennis NewsFormer Olympian suggests Naomi Osaka has made her life more difficult after media boycott
Osaka is set to return to action for the first time since she pulled out of the French Open at the Olympics
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray reveals his daughter gave him inspiration after Wimbledon defeat
Murray revealed a chat with his daughter helped him reassess his Wimbledon disappointment as he targets an Olympic medal.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic gives his pre-Olympics press conference as he targets a gold medal
Djokovic struck a confident tone ahead of his bid for a first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.
-
NewsNovak Djokovic handed tough Olympics draw as he practices with Andy Murray
Djokovic may have to beat Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev to reach the gold medal match in the Tokyo Olympics.
-
Kevin PalmerAndy Murray’s former coach on what happens next for the former world No.1
Alex Corretja urges Andy Murray to continue to play as long as he still enjoys it.
-
Kevin PalmerThe ultimate guide to the best tennis trainers on the market
A look at the best tennis trainers on the market for players of all standards.
-
News‘A beacon of hope’ – Andy Murray on why the Olympic Games mean so much to him
The greatest sporting event of them all has a special place in Andy Murray’s heart.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic posts emotional Instagram message to toast his Wimbledon win
He has taken time to gather his…
-
Kevin PalmerWho is playing at the Tokyo Olympics, latest odds and can anyone stop Novak Djokovic?
World No.1 and history chasing Novak Djokovic will dominate the agenda in Tokyo.
-
TennisAshleigh Barty opts against staying in the Olympic village as she arrives in Tokyo
Barty has arrived in Tokyo for the Olympic Games, but she will not be staying at the athletes’ village.