Rafael Nadal has defeated Novak Djokovic to win a ninth Italian Open title and a record 34rd Masters crown.
Rome — Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic 6-0,4-6,6-1 to win a ninth Italian Open title and a record 34rd Masters crown on Sunday.
World number one Djokovic, winner at the Madrid Open last week, produced an error-strewn performance in his 54th meeting with second-ranked Nadal, who claimed the 81st title of his career.
Nadal overtakes Djokovic at the top of the list for Masters wins — the pair were level at 33 each before Sunday’s final — in a timely boost ahead of his assault on a 12th French Open crown in a week’s time.
