Djokovic puts himself in pole position for French Open with Rome Masters win

Justin Davis 11:10 19/05/2014
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  • Hat-trick: Novak Djokovic has now won three Rome Masters titles.

    Novak Djokovic fought back to stun defending champion Rafael Nadal and claim the Rome Masters 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 yesterday.

    Serbia’s world No2 Djokovic captured his third title on the red clay of Rome, having won in 2008 and 2011.

    The win was Djokovic’s 19th career Masters title and his 19th win against Nadal in 41 meetings.

    Nadal had been looking to stretch his record of seven titles in the Italian capital.

    But despite a dominant first set display, the world No1 allowed unforced errors to creep into his game as Djokovic launched a valiant fightback to put himself in pole 

    position to win a first title at the forthcoming French Open.

    “Winning against Rafa in the finals of a big tournament on clay, his preferred surface, is definitely a confidence booster,” said Djokovic, who had been dealing with wrist problems that forced him to pull out of last week’s Madrid Masters. 

    “He’s the best player ever in the history of this game on clay courts. It was the ultimate challenge. I’m happy with my game so far and hopefully I can carry that into Roland Garros.”

    Nadal came into yesterday’s final expected to claim an eighth Rome title having won at the Foro Italico every year since 2005 except in 2008 and 2011.

    It certainly seemed it would be Nadal’s day when he broke the Serb twice on his way to a quick 4-1 lead in the opening set, which he went on to win 6-4 as Djokovic made a series of unforced errors.

    Djokovic, however, pulled his game together early in the second set, breaking Nadal’s serve as early as the second game. 

    Although Nadal defiantly broke back to 3-2, Djokovic went on to level the contest, taking the second set 6-3.

    Nadal pumped his fists when he saved serve in a tightly-contested fifth game of the third and was given more hope when he broke to 3-3 in the next.

    But the 27-year-old crucially hit a forehand return long in the next game to hand Djokovic the break and a 4-3 lead.

    Djokovic held on to his service game and with Nadal struggling, broke the Spaniard again to seal a memorable win.

    “It’s been a great week considering where I was with the wrist injury,” said Djokovic.“Luckily I played with no pain and increased my level of tennis as the week went on.”

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