Intro:

Novak Djokovic came from a set down to beat Rafael Nadal for the fourth time in a row and claim his third Italian Open title with an impressive 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory at the Foro Italico in Rome on Sunday (18 May).

Script:

Heading into this mouth watering Rome Masters final, Nadal led the head-to-heads 22-18, and it looked tight early on.

Nadal's forehand had proved so effective in his semi-final with Milos Raonic and he needed it here to maintain his break of serve at 15-40 down.

The World No 1 looked on top form and an abnormally tame Djokovic return gave the Spaniard the opening set.

Into the second and the Serbian had an early break point opportunity. The power that seemed lacking in the first was right back with him here. 2-0 Djokovic.

And he maintained that break of serve taking the second 6-3.

Djokovic's returning game was in tune and at 15-30 he hit this return winner and setup two match points.

Nadal saved one of those match points on the serve, and at 30-40 the pair traded crushing groundstrokes.

Yet the World No 2 deserved his victory.

He hit 22 forehand winner so a surprisingly few seven from Rafa.

The Serbian forced the error and took the title 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

The players have a quiet week ahead before Rafa goes for a fifth straight Roland Garros title a week on Monday.