It is’ Novak Djokovic versus Rafael Nadal on Super Sunday in the final of the Italian Masters 2021. The world champion No. 1 and defending champion fought his way through in 5 sets over 2 games to reach his 11th final at the Masters 1000 tournament and to prepare his 57th meeting with the king Volume. Both gladiators of the sport want to win their first season title on the red field in the run-up to the French Open from the end of this month.
Novak Djokovic fended off a severe threat from local hero Lorenzo Sonego 6: 3, 5: 7 (2), 6: 2 in a pulsating semi-final that stretched under the lights in front of fans to 2 hours and 44 minutes of cheers for the Italian Player. Both players had played their quarter-final match earlier in the day after the wet weather caused delays on Friday.
Djokovic, a five-time champion in Rome, made an impressive comeback from behind against Stefanos Tsistsipas, the fifth seed, after resuming his quarter-finals with one set and one glitch. On the other hand, Sonego, world number 33, ended his giant killing run by defeating seventh seed Andrey Rublev after he was knocked down.
Sonego, who had a dream run in Rome with victories against the US Open champions Dominic Thiem and Gael Monifls, made life difficult for Djokovic, who got off to a good start. It looked like the Serb was in a hurry as he finished the first set 6-3, but Sonego, cheered on by the local crowd, forced a decision. The second set was an exciting fight that subsided and flowed. Sonego showed a lot of courage and character to force a decision, but Djokovic proved too hot to deal with in the closing stages of the game.
Thank you very much, Lorenzo # IBI21 pic.twitter.com/dL8AJDRme6
– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 15, 2021
Djokovic against Nadal in the blockbuster fight in Rome
Djokovic leads in their direct duel with 29 wins and 27 losses. The Spaniard has won his last 4 meetings on clay while Djokovic won 3 in his last 5 meetings on the tour.
Most Nadal Djokovic games by event:
Rome – 9
Roland Garros – 8
ATP final – 5th
Indian Wells – 4th
Monte Carlo – 4th @Rafael Nadal @ DJokerNole # IBI21 pic.twitter.com/IoDXh6uN1t– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 15, 2021
There’s a lot to look forward to on Sunday as Nadal will try to hit Djokovic’s record for the most ATP Masters 1000 wins. Nadal, who has 35, is one behind Djokovic on the elite list.
On Saturday before, Nadal stormed into his 12th final of the Italian Open after passing Reilly Opelka from the USA 6: 4, 6: 4. Nadal was in top form when he carried the momentum afterwards Straight set win against Alexander Zverev to the semi-finals against world number 47 Opelka, who hadn’t lost a set before the game on Saturday against the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Nadal paused in each of the two sets for a comfortable win.
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