Novak Djokovic describes Italian Open as ‘a great but challenging week’ after record Masters win

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Novak Djokovic pleased with himself

Novak Djokovic has described the Italian Open ‘a great but challenging week’ after he beat Diego Schwarztman to win the title.

Djokovic was playing his first tournament since being defaulted from the US Open for accidentally hitting a female line judge with a ball.

He got straight back to winning ways in the Italian capital though, battling his way to win a record 36th Masters title to leave him in confident mood ahead of Roland Garros next week.

“It was a great week,” Djokovic said after the final. “A very challenging week.

“I don’t think I played my best tennis throughout the entire week, but I think I found my best tennis when I needed it the most in the decisive moments.

“That definitely makes me very satisfied and proud that I managed to find that fifth gear when it was most needed.

“Turning to Paris [for the rescheduled French Open], I could not ask for a better tournament here in Rome. Another big title and I am super pleased with it.”

Djokovic has now won 36 Masters titles, one more than world number two Rafael Nadal who fell in the quarterfinals in Rome to Schwartzman.

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