Djokovic stops Schwartzman for 36th Masters 1000 and fifth Rome title

• Internazionali BNL d’Italia final

• Djokovic d. Schwartzman d. 7-5, 6-3

• Key info: Djokovic trailed by a double-break at 0-3 in the first set before taking control
• You will also learn: Djokovic continues to make history at Masters 1000 events
• Why you should read this story: This concludes a Rome event that sets the stage for what should be a very interesting Roland-Garros

Novak Djokovic lifted the Internazionali BNL d’Italia trophy for a fifth time after defeating Diego Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3 in the final on Monday afternoon. The top seed recovered from a double-break down in the opening set to prevail in one hour and 53 minutes.

“It was a great week; a very challenging week,” Djokovic commented. “I don’t think I played my best tennis throughout the entire week, but I found my best tennis when I needed it most in every match. Now we are turning to Paris; I couldn’t have asked for a better result in Rome. Another big title.”

High Five ✋@DjokerNole clinches his fifth title in Rome 👏

📹: @TennisTV | #IBI20pic.twitter.com/6aIUOszsQE

— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 21, 2020

Up-and-down first set

Djokovic became a heavy title favourite when Schwartzman upset nine-time Rome champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals, and the Serb’s chances only improved after the Argentine needed a grueling three hours and 15 minutes to outlast Denis Shapovalov during semi-final action on Sunday night. However, in the early stages against Schwartzman it looked like the outcome was in serious doubt. The underdog stormed out of the gates to a 3-0, double-break lead in the opening set as Djokovic started flat.

However, the world No 1 was quick to restore order to the proceedings. He got both of the breaks back immediately, beginning a streak of four straight games that propelled him to a 4-3 advantage. Schwartzman eventually saved a set point on serve at 4-5 with a big forehand, but he could not successfully serve to stay in the set a second time at 5-6.

Streaking to the finish line

After breaking for the set, Djokovic again started slow in the second. Once again, though, it hardly mattered. Another wake-up call improved his level considerably, and he seized an immediate break-back before consolidating it en route to a 4-3 lead. With the pressure on, Schwartzman cracked on serve in the eighth game. Djokovic’s love service break was part of a streak in which he won 10 points in a row. The world No 14 ended the streak by saving two championship points, but Djokovic converted his third chance by winning an incredible rally that lasted almost 30 shots.

Djokovic, who was playing in his 10th Rome final, is now the sole leader in career Masters 1000 titles with 36. He had been tied with Nadal heading into Rome. Schwartzman, meanwhile, was contesting his first-ever Masters 1000 final.

“I’m very happy to be playing with you,” Schwartzman told the crowd. “I want to say congrats to Nole; he’s a great champion. I’m very happy to be here; I did one better than last year.”

So much to be proud of this week 👏

Raise it high, @dieschwartzman!

🎥: @TennisTV | #IBI20 pic.twitter.com/nqhpK2eW49

— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 21, 2020

• Also read: Halep crowned Rome champion as Pliskova forced to retire
• Also read: Djokovic recovers from slow start, ends Ruud’s run in Rome
• Also read: Schwartzman stuns Nadal in straight sets to reach semi-finals
• Also read: In pictures: Nadal’s 11 clay-court losses dating back to Roland-Garros 2015