DJOKOVIC THE LAST MAN STANDING IN ROME AFTER WIN OVER NADAL BY RICKY DIMON

Written by: Staff on 19th May 2014

DJOKOVIC THE LAST MAN STANDING IN ROME AFTER WIN OVER NADAL BY RICKY DIMON

epa04212916 Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic poses with the trophy after beating Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal in their final match of the Italian Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy, 18 May 2014. EPA/CLAUDIO ONORATI |

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

That’s how the saying goes, and so went the top two players in the world last week in Rome. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic put on games that would not have disappointed in ancient Roman times and certainly did not disappoint in the present day. Nadal played four three-set matches out of five and contested four matches that lasted more than two hours–including one that took more than three hours to complete. Djokovic played three matches that exceeded the two-hour mark–also including one that eclipsed three hours.

The finale between the two men finished after two hours and 20 minutes of play on Sunday afternoon, with Djokovic emerging as the only survivor in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Nadal. Djokovic improved to 19-22 lifetime against his rival, 12-9 in finals, and 7-5 in Masters 1000 title matches

“Nobody’s invincible,” the second-ranked Serb said in his post-match interview with the ATP World Tour, “but (it) definitely feels great in this moment. It’s important for me to win this trophy because I had an injury that unfortunately took a few weeks (to heal). To be able to win some tough matches against some great players this week and to win in the end against Nadal–who is the ultimate challenge on clay–is something that gives me confidence. This is the best possible leadup to Roland Garros and hopefully I can continue this form into Paris.

“I love Italy. I love Rome. It’s amazing; full stadium the whole week, especially today–No. 1, No. 2 in the world playing against each other. I think it was a very satisfying match for the crowd and they supported me all the way through.”

“I felt that Novak was pushing me and has a great talent to play inside the lines,” Nadal assessed. “I think this week is important for me. I won 600 points. I was able to play in another final here. I was able to compete well against one of the best players of the moment. I arrive to Roland Garros now more encouraged than how I felt a few weeks ago.”

Aside from players participating in events this week in Dusseldorf and Nice, players are already beginning to arrive in Paris for the season’s second Grand Slam. Main-draw action begins on Sunday.

Topics: Atp World Tour, Italian Open, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Ricky Dimon, Rome, Tennis, Tennis News

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10sBalls_com says:

May 19, 2014 at 8:22 am

DJOKOVIC THE LAST MAN STANDING IN ROME AFTER WIN OVER NADAL BY RICKYDIMON (@RD_Tennistalk)- http://t.co/1YYZiQcL7J @DjokerNole @RafaelNadal
RD_Tennistalk says:

May 19, 2014 at 8:50 am

RT @10sBalls_com: DJOKOVIC THE LAST MAN STANDING IN ROME AFTER WIN OVER NADAL BY RICKYDIMON (@RD_Tennistalk)- http://t.co/1YYZiQcL7J @Djok…