Clay season preview: Monte Carlo, Banja Luka, Madrid, Rome, RG
Four weeks after the semi-final finish in Dubai, Novak is finalising preparations for the European clay-court swing. The world no.1 will first compete at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (April 9-16) where he’s lifted the championship trophy twice (2013 and 2015).
Novak with runner-up finish in Rome
After a great two hour, 49-minute battle, second seed Rafael Nadal defeated top seed and five-time Italian Open champion Novak 5-7, 6-1, 3-6 to win his 10th Rome Masters trophy. With the triumph, the Spaniard equalled Nole's record of 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles.
Novak reaches 11th Rome final, sets up showdown with Rafa!
Nole won two battles on Saturday to advance into the Italian Open championship match. After beating Tsitsipas in three sets, the Serbian star edged Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-2.
Novak rallies to beat Tsitsipas, earns a spot in Rome semis!
The Serbian star, a defending champion at the Foro Italico, came back from a set and a break deficit to seal a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 win over the fifth-seeded Greek. Looking to reach the Italian Open final for the 11th time, Novak will take on Lorenzo Sonego (ITA, ATP #33) later today.
Italian Open: Nole blitzes Davidovich Fokina to reach QFs
Defending champion advanced to the the quarter-finals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, following a convincing 6-2, 6-1 victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in 70 minutes. Novak will face fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday.
Novak advances to the last 16 in rainy Rome
World no.1 defeated Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the second round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. The five-time champion at the Foro Italico next faces Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP, ATP #48).
Novak captures record 36th Masters crown and fifth title in Rome!
Novak beat Diego Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3 to win a fifth Italian Open title and a record 36th Masters 1000 crown on Monday. The world no.1 showed his best form ahead of Roland Garros and lifted his fourth title of the season, adding to the Australian Open, ATP Dubai and Cincinnati Masters crowns. He also won the inaugural ATP Cup with team Serbia.
Nole reaches 10th final in Rome, continues pursuit of Masters 1000 record
Novak advanced to his 10th Internazionali BNL d'Italia final on Sunday, following a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Casper Ruud. The top seed plays no.8 seed Diego Schwartzman (ARG) on Monday, looking to capture a record-breaking 36th ATP Masters 1000 title.
Novak, Ruud to meet in Italian Open SFs
Nole continued his bid for a record 36th ATP Masters 1000 title. The world no.1 advanced to his 11th semi-final at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, following a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 win against German qualifier Dominik Koepfer. He next faces Casper Ruud (NOR, ATP #34).
Novak edges Krajinovic in a great battle, reaches Rome quarter-finals
The top seed and four-time titlist beat his compatriot and Davis Cup teammate Filip Krajinovic 7-6 (7), 6-3 in two hours and seven minutes at Centrale to reach the Internazionali BNL d’Italia quarter-finals.
Photo of the week
