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Associated Press

Rafael Nadal beat a tired Novak Djokovic 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 for a record-extending 10th Italian Open title on Sunday.
The Spaniard recovered from a potentially dangerous fall after tripping over a raised line to take the latest instalment of the most-played rivalry in modern men’s tennis.
It also re-established Nadal as the overwhelming favourite for the French Open, where he will be aiming for an even harder-to-believe 14th title starting in two weeks.
Australian Open 2021: Rafael Nadal closer to grand slam record as Ashleigh Barty raises hopes of a home triumph
Nadal beat Djokovic in straight sets in last year’s Roland Garros final.
The top-ranked Djokovic spent nearly five hours on court on Saturday, when he had to rally for a rain-delayed quarter final victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas before winning another three-setter over local favourite Lorenzo Sonego in the semi-finals. Nadal played only once on Saturday, beating Reilly Opelka in an hour and a half.
In the women’s final, reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek routed Karolina Pliskova with a “double bagel” 6-0 6-0.
It was the 57th meeting between Nadal and Djokovic, which is the highest number of matches between two men in the Open era. It was also their ninth meeting in Rome, where they have played more than anywhere else.
Djokovic now holds the slimmest of edges in the all-time series, 29-28, while Nadal holds a 6-3 advantage in Rome overall and 4-2 in Rome finals.
The 10,500-seat Campo Centrale stadium was only a quarter full because of the coronavirus pandemic. But those lucky few permitted to attend on an overcast day at the Foro Italico made themselves heard, shouting Djokovic’s nickname, “Nole, Nole,” on the big points, or “C’mon Rafa.”
For the second time this week, Nadal tripped over a line that appeared slightly raised on the centre court of the Foro Italico. The incident, which resulted in a bloody scrape near the Spaniard’s left knee, made Nadal livid.

At 3-3 in the first set, Nadal chased down a short ball from Djokovic and whipped a cross-court passing shot for a winner. Then his momentum made him slide into the doubles alley and his left foot tripped over the outside line, causing him to roll over onto the clay.
Nadal got up immediately and jabbed his arm into the air angrily and had a word with the chair umpire, who called on court workers to hammer the line further into the clay court.
Nadal had a similar fall in his quarter-final victory over Alexander Zverev.


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Novak Djokovic

Italian Open 2021: Rafael Nadal overcomes Novak Djokovic in Rome to seal title for 10th time

Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with his trophy after winning his men’s singles final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Italy on Sunday. Photo: EPA-EFE

epa09205293 Rafael Nadal (R) of Spain poses with his trophy after winning his men's singles final against Novak Djokovic (L) of Serbia at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Italy, 16 May 2021. EPA-EFE/ETTORE FERRARI

Dominant Novak Djokovic beats Daniil Medvedev to win ninth Australian Open and 18th grand slam crown

Novak Djokovic celebrates on the ground after winning his ninth Australian Open title by beating Daniil Medvedev in the final. Photo: Reuters

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning against Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their men's singles final match on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 21, 2021. (Photo by David Gray / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) and Russia's Daniil Medvedev greet each other after their men's singles final match on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 21, 2021. (Photo by Paul CROCK / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates beating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in their men's singles final match on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 21, 2021. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Roger Federer ‘pumped up’ for his return at Qatar Open after a ‘long hard road’ back to fitness

Roger Federer says he is raring to go after a long absence because of injury. Photo: Reuters

Australian Open 2021: Rafael Nadal closer to grand slam record as Ashleigh Barty raises hopes of a home triumph

Rafael Nadal serves against Italy’s Fabio Fognini during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open. Photo: AFP

TOPSHOT - Russia's Daniil Medvedev hits a return against Mackenzie McDonald of the US during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 15, 2021. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

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It was the 57th meeting between Nadal and Djokovic, the highest number of matches between two men in the Open era
Nadal will be aiming for an even harder-to-believe 14th title at the French Open, starting in two weeks


Nadal will be aiming for an even harder-to-believe 14th title at the french Open, starting in two weeks.


Rafael Nadal

Italian Open 2021: Rafael Nadal overcomes Novak Djokovic in Rome to seal title for 10th time

It was the 57th meeting between Nadal and Djokovic, the highest number of matches between two men in the Open era Nadal will be aiming for an even harder-to-believe 14th title at the French Open, starting in two weeks

It was the 57th meeting between Nadal and Djokovic, the highest number of matches between two men in the Open era

Nadal will be aiming for an even harder-to-believe 14th title at the French Open, starting in two weeks