Rafel Nadal beat Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 after two hours and 25 minutes to win Rome Masters title at Foro Italico on Sunday. The Spaniard also broke a tie with Djokovic by claiming a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 crown.
Recently a big winner in Madrid, Djokovic had also spent more than five and a half hours on the pitch in recent days to overthrow Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman.
“What means most to me is this trophy. Rome is one of the most important tournaments of the year. [It’s a big] part of the history of our sport. To be able to win here again is the main thing.” Nadal said.
Earlier, Karolina Pliskova triumphed in the ladies, beating in the final Johanna Konta, 6-3 and 6-4. The Czech will take second place in the WTA as Roland Garros approaches, which will begin next weekend.
“I just hope my level of play is going to move to Paris,” Pliskova said. “If I continue like this, I will definitely have chances to win.” Pliskova said.
Pliskova added a second title this year after Brisbane, raising the curtain of the campaign. It was also seen in Miami’s ultimate match.
“It has been a great week for me and my team. There were some tough games, so I’m happy to be through. I hope it was not my last finale here!” Pliskova said.
In her two previous clay court tournaments in Stuttgart and Madrid, Pliskova lost in the second round.
Karolina Pliskova beats Johanna Konta to win Rome Masters title. (Source:www.eurosport.com)
“Nobody really gave me a chance at this tournament – including me,” Pliskova said. “I was not super confident, I was far from thinking about the finals. But I was satisfied with all my matches.” she added.
Konta was broken in her first game in the service, mainly because of a double fault and a setback sent into the net.
Pliskova shot to victory after a break giving him the 4-3 lead in the second run, thanks to a volley. She tightened her grip by winning the next game, clearing a 0-40 gap.The match ended in 85 minutes. Pliskova was able to enjoy a 13th title, a second on clay.
Fourth-seeded, Pliskova now has a 6-1 record against the English, 42nd in the world.
