Novak Djokovic clinches record 36th Masters title in Rome

TIL Desk Sports/ World number one Novak Djokovic won the men’s singles title at the Italian Open after defeating Diego Schwartzman of Argentina in straight sets, three weeks after completing his second Career Golden Masters at the Western & Southern Open.

On Monday evening, Djokovic defeated Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3 to clinch a record-breaking 36th Masters 1000 crown, one more than Rafael Nadal.

Entering the summit clash, Schwartzman, 28, was attempting to join 2016 champion Andy Murray and 2017 winner Alexander Zverev as only the third player outside of Djokovic and Nadal to win the title in Rome since 2005.

“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 after the match as per the ATP Tour website.