Rome Memories: Novak Djokovic, the man who beat Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic is the man who has beaten Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. The Serb was the protagonist of great battles in the Italian tournament, often characterized by adverse weather conditions, such as a famous challenge against Kei Nishikori in 2015, conditioned by a very strong wind.

The ancient and prestigious tournament on the Rome clay-courts has an important and glorious history, which has lasted since 1930, the year of its first edition won by Bill Tilden. Djokovic won the title for the first time in Rome in 2008, the year he won his first Slam, at the Australian Open. That time, in the final of the Italian ATP Masters 1000, the Serb defeated Stan Wawrinka in three sets, for 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Nole came back to win the title in 2011, beating Rafael Nadal in the final with a double 6-4. Djokovic won three Slams that season; Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open. The third title came in 2014, again against Rafael Nadal, with the final score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

The following season he challenged Roger Federer to the final (a challenge that highlighted the whole of 2015). Djokovic won in straight sets for 6-4, 6-3. Novak Djokovic played four more finals at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, losing in 2009, 2012 and 2019 against Rafael Nadal and in 2017 against Alexander Zverev.

This is one of the memories of past days as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the season's suspension over time. The tournament will not be relocated this season, but it will be played directly in 2021, not following the line of other events such as the French Open that has been rescheduled for the second half of 2020, after the US Open.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3fogLB0