ROME, May 3 - World number one Rafael Nadal
overcame stubborn early resistance from defending champion Novak
Djokovic to claim the Rome Masters crown with an entertaining
7-6 6-2 win on Sunday.
The Spaniard took the first set in a tiebreak after Serbian
Djokovic had twice recovered breaks as well as destroying a
racket after losing serve in the 11th game.
Nadal broke the third seed twice in the second set to
continue his stunning form, sealing victory with a superlative
forehand pass.
The result also meant Djokovic will surrender the number
three spot in the world rankings to Andy Murray on May 11 even
though the 21-year-old Scot lost his opening match in Rome to
Argentine qualifier Juan Monaco.