World no.2 Novak Djokovic, who picked up his 44th career title on Sunday when he won the Internazionali BNL d’Italia for a third time (also 2008 and 2011), has closed the gap on Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP rankings.
The Serb, who beat the Spaniard 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to take his 19th Masters 1000 trophy, is now 650 points behind Nadal.
ATP top 10 as of May 19:
1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 12,500
2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11,850
3. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 5,830
4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5,125
5. David Ferrer (ESP) 5,030
6. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 4,330
7. Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 4,125
8. Andy Murray (GBR) 4,120
9. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,975
10. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 2,815
After the victory in Rome, Novak is second in the ATP Race to London list with 4,050 points.
Djokovic will next play at the second Grand Slam of the season, the Roland Garros, taking place in Paris from May 25 to June 8.
The singles main draw will take place on Friday, May 23, at 11:30 CET.
Photo: Getty Images
