ATP Rome: Rafael Nadal downs Novak Djokovic for historic Masters 1000 title
In the 54th clash of the titans and the winners of 12 of the last 14 Rome titles, Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 to defend the crown and become the first player with 34 Masters 1000 titles! It was the last test for both ahead of Roland Garros where they will be the top favorites, with Nadal beating Djokovic for the 26th time and the first in 12 months, claiming the first title since Canada last year and getting back on track on the beloved surface. Competing in the 50th Masters 1000 final, Rafa dominated in sets one and three to cross the finish line first, with Novak giving his best to overcome a terrible start and a bagel suffered in the first set. In the end, the Spaniard played against only two break points, getting broken once and creating 17 chances on the return, converting six to control the scoreboard and claim the 81st ATP title, lifting at least one for the last 16 years!
At the age of 32, Nadal is the oldest Rome champion and this was his 20th triumph over world no. 1 in his outstanding career. They had a similar number of winners and Novak made much more errors, with his backhand letting him down completely together with some poor decisions and drop shots. Rafa was much more efficient in the mid-range and most extended rallies and that was enough to propel him over the finish line and deliver much-needed title after a tough period due to injuries. Both players served above 70% in the opening set although no one could have noticed that, with Nadal as the only player on the court. The Spaniard lost three points behind the initial shot, rattling off one good hold after another and keeping the pressure on Novak who wasn't prepared to match those numbers. Dropping 60% of the points in his games, Djokovic suffered three breaks from nine chances offered to Rafa for the first bagel in their matches ever!
Hitting 12 winners and only four unforced errors, Nadal ruled the court and had a clear advantage in the shortest and most extended rallies to race over the finish line and make the best possible start of the final. The Serb lost serve in the very first game of the match after a loose forehand, allowing Rafa to move 3-0 up with a forehand down the line winner, looking better and better on the court. Facing five break points in game five, Djokovic gave serve away after a backhand down the line bullet from Nadal who sealed the opener with a service winner in game six for a 6-0 after 38 minutes. Following that terrible performance in the opener, Novak raised the level in set number two, producing a couple of much-needed easy holds and creating a break point in game four that Rafa fended off with a powerful forehand down the line winner.
Standing on the verge of defeat, Djokovic fought off three break points in game seven, staying on the positive side of the scoreboard and repelling another one at 4-4 to boost his chances. Serving to stay in the set, Nadal wasted a game point and sent a forehand long to hand the break and the set to Novak who roared towards his team, mighty relieved after this outcome. They both had more winners than unforced errors and the Serb was the one who prevailed in the crucial moments and forced a decider. Leaving the last set behind him instantly, the Spaniard broke in the very first game of the final set to restore the order, missing another break point at 1-1 and forging a 4-1 lead after a backhand error from Novak in game five. A loose forehand from Djokovic propelled the eight-time champion 5-1 in front and Nadal sealed the deal with another break in game seven for the first win over Novak in a year.
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2VLIhly
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