Novak Djokovic Makes Masters 1000 History

ROME: Three weeks after completing his second Career Golden Masters at the Western & Southern Open, Novak Djokovic created more ATP Masters 1000 history at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Monday.

The World No. 1 rallied from a double break down in the first set to defeat Diego Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3 and claim a record-breaking 36th Masters 1000 crown. Djokovic entered the event level with 35-time Masters 1000 titlist Rafael Nadal, but has now moved ahead of the Spaniard with his fifth Rome trophy.

Djokovic has now won 31 of his 32 matches this year. The 33-year-old has won four trophies from five events in 2020, following title runs at the Australian Open (d. Thiem), the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (d. Tsitsipas) and the Western & Southern Open (d. Raonic).

"It was a great week. A very challenging week. I don't think I played my best tennis throughout the entire week, but I think I found my best tennis when I needed it the most in the decisive moments today, yesterday [and in] practically every match," said Djokovic.

"That definitely makes me very satisfied and proud that I managed to find that fifth gear when it was most needed. Turning to Paris, I couldn't ask for a better tournament here in Rome. Another big title and [I am] super pleased with it."

This is the first of two milestone moments for Djokovic today. When the new FedEx ATP Rankings are run later this evening, the Serbian will begin his 287th week at the top of the FedEx ATP Rankings to pass his idol Pete Sampras' total of 286 weeks.

Djokovic has also moved ahead of Nadal to become the oldest champion in tournament history. The 33-year-old improves to 5-5 in Rome championship matches, one year after falling to a 32-year-old Nadal in last year's championship match. Agencies

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