Back on top: Nadal beats Djokovic for 9th Italian Open title

Rafael Nal is right back where he wants to be.

After losing in semifinals of three straight clay-court tournaments, Nal dominated for stretches against his longtime rival, vak Djokovic, in a 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 win Sunday for a record-extending ninth Italian Open title.

It marked first time in an Open Era-record 54 meetings, and in ir 142nd set against each or, that Nal won a set against Djokovic without conceding a game — orwise kwn as a bl.

timing for Nal’s return to form could t have been more opportune, as he will seek a record-extending 12th title at French Open starting next weekend.

Top-ranked Djokovic, meanwhile, appeared exhausted after spending more than 5 ½ hours on court against Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman previous two days.

Djokovic was also coming off Mrid Open title last week.

In women’s final earlier, Karolina Pliskova captured biggest clay-court trophy of her career by beating Johanna Konta 6-3, 6-4.

Even netizens came ahe to appreciate 'King of Clay'.

At same time, fans also highlighted about Spaniard's individual records.