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Nadal Djokovic French Open 2014
Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roland Garros, Tennis News

Rafa Nadal scores morale boosting victory over arch rival Novak Djokovic in Italian Open final


In what many hope is a pre-cursor to next month’s French Open Men’s Singles final, Rafa Nadal has triumphed over Novak Djokovic in the 58th encounter of one of tennis’s most enduring and competitive rivalries.

Nadal defeated Djokovic in a gruelling 3-set battle on the clay of Rome after winning the first set only to see the Serb Djokovic fight back.

Nadal has now beaten Djokovic in their last 5 clay court encounters including last years French Open final.

Nadal had been far from his best this week but as often happens he did enough to secure the title against an opponent in Djokovic who had had to win two matches and 5 hours of gruelling tennis the day before thanks to rain delays earlier in the tournament.

Nadal won 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 in just under 3 hours to lift his 10th Italian Open title.


Both players will now head to Roland Garros for the French Open in the hopes of adding to their Grand Slam tally with the GOAT race wide open. Roger Federer will also feature in this years tournament.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.