Italian Open<\/a> champion Novak Djokovic 5-7, 6-1, 3-6 on Sunday, to capture his 10th Rome Masters trophy.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe two greats met for a record-extending 57th time and for the ninth time in Rome. It was their sixth championship match at the Foro Italico.<\/p>\n
Djokovic still owns the overall ATP H2H edge in their legendary rivalry (29-28).<\/p>\n
Like each of their previous five finals, this one was also a highly competitive affair, and a lengthy battle. The championship match lasted two hours and 49 minutes.<\/p>\n
Novak opened well to take a 2-0 lead, but Rafa broke straight back. Nadal’s superb serving (84% first serves to 62% by Novak) was key difference in the remainder of the first set. Novak’s level fell off as the set progressed. The Menorca native broke for 6-5 and converted set point to win it 7-5.<\/p>\n
Djokovic served better in the second set. Nadal had a break point at 1-1, but Nole\u2019s big first serves got him out of trouble. The world no.1 broke his biggest rival twice, winning five straight games to level the contest.<\/p>\n
Novak held two break points at 2-2 in the final third set, but missed his chances. It was the momentum changer. Nadal raised his level in the next game and broke to love for a 4-2 lead. He used his second championship point to close out the battle.<\/p>\n
“I was a bit unfortunate not to use some opportunities, but we played three hours of high quality tennis,”<\/strong> Novak said. “Nadal was the better player in the decisive moments, but I have a lot of positives to take away from today. Last few days were a confidence booster for clay, I\u2019ve found the game. I have to keep it and peak in Paris. Going into Paris I have good sensations now, I feel like I am playing the way I want on clay. Hopefully I’ll be ready to rock n roll in Paris and to go all the way.”
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nMatch statistics: aces (5-3), double faults (4-1), winners (28-37), unforced errors (36-23), total points won (94-97).<\/p>\n