Internazionali BNL d’Italia—Rome, Italy
Rafael Nadal claimed his 10th title at the Italian Open on Sunday, defeating world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 7-5, 1-6,.6-3. In gruelling match that took two hours and 49 minutes to complete the first set alone, Nadal struck three aces and won 75 percent of his first serve points, while breaking serve on three occasions. Improving to 28-29 in his head-to-head with Djokovic, Nadal completed his clay-court campaign heading into Roland Garros with two wins in four tournaments. The Spaniard also captured the Barcelona Open two weeks ago.
Djokovic, who had a tough day at the office on Saturday, won two matches against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Lorenzo Sonego.
Nadal will now enter the French Open attempting to win his 14th title and 21st career Grand Slam. He would be in sole position of the all-time Major mark if he is victorious.
Djokovic, who currently stands at 18 Majors, will be looking for No. 19 in the City of Lights. The Serbian legend won the Australian Open in January.
Earlier in the day, reigning French Open winner Iga Swiatek dismantled former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-0 in 46 minutes. The Polish star won 93 percent of her first serve points and broke serve on six occasions. Swiatek will enter the top 10 in the world for the first time on Monday at No. 10.
Pliskova, who was attempting to win her 17th career title, dismissed Jelena Ostapenko and Anastasija Sevastova earlier in the tournament.
