DJOKOVIC WINS 36th MASTERS TITLE AS HALEP IS CROWN QUEEN OF ITALIAN OPEN
Novak Djokovic accomplished his quest to surpass Rafael Nadal equaled record of 35th Master title by winning the Italian Open, Monday in Rome. The Western & Southern Open Champion beat Argentine Diego Schwartzman 7-5 6-3.
Djokovic who now top the rank of best Master titles winners with 36th, was two break down at 3-0 before the rain started in Rome, but came back when the weather improved with double breaks before going on put the game to a set point at 5-4 on Diego’s serve which the number 15 saved with a forehand winner. Although, Djokovic was denied two more set points, however he bounced back to taking the opener in 7 minutes.
Diego Schwartzman who beat favourite and clay court specialist, Rafael Nadal in the quarter final, Saturday, came stronger in the starting second set but Djokovic found his rhythm and broke back, two unforced erros from Schwartzman and a winner from Djokovic which did set up a break point in the eight game.
The 33 year –old Serb returned with a fast forehand winner, he did set three match points and eventually won the game after series points picked.
Djokovic said “I don’t think I played my best tennis through the entire match but I found it when I needed it most”
He also said he couldn’t have asked for a better tournament going to Paris for the Roland Garros.
With the win, he achieved his fifth Italian Open title and lead in masters winners record with 36th Masters Title.
Meanwhile Simon Halep who was not at the US Open at Flushing Meadows won the women’s event, winning Monday’s Rome final 6-0 2-1 with opponent Karolina Pliskova retired due to injury.
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