Rafael Nadal is right back where he wants to be heading into the French Open.
He won his 34th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title on Sunday when he beat world number one Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 for a record ninth Italian Open title.
It was the 81st title of his career and the 51st at either Masters 1000 level, at the Grand Slams or ATP Finals.
It was Rafa’s first clay court final win over Djokovic since the 2014 French Open. It was the 54th meeting between the two rivals, and Djokovic now leads 28-26.
This was their eighth meeting in Rome, and their fifth in the final. Rafa now leads Djokovic 5-3 in Rome, and 3-2 in finals there.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain prepares to serve to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their ATP Masters tournament final tennis match at the Foro Italico in Rome on May 19, 2019. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)
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Rafael Nadal (SPA) celebrates the victory in his Mens Final match against Novak Djokovic (SRB) during Internazionali BNL D’Italia Italian Open at the Foro Italico, Rome, Italy on 19 May 2019. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Rafael Nadal, right, of Spain embraces Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the end of their final match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Sunday, May 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the end of their final match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Sunday, May 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the end of their final match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Sunday, May 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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The last time a bagel was served at an Italian Open final was in 2002 when Agassi did it to Tommy Haas: 17 years ago.
Rafa’s bagel on Sunday was the first one ever served in the Djodal long-time rivalry. Take that Djokovic!
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
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Hello Rafans,
where could the trophy ceremony be seen?
Thanks
Have you tried YouTube? The Tennis Channel showed the speeches, but that’s it. Therefore, I was surprised to see how much Rafa celebrated with the champagne. That was not usual and showed how happy and relieved he was.
Thank you but youtube does not have the ceremony. Still searching…
Congratulation Rafa for a great performance, we are so happy for.
Love it ..love him.
I had issues with the audio…was it just me?
Wicked match, so happy for Rafa number 2 in the world… I think not!
Congratulations baby! xxxooxox 🙂
So happy! You have made my day….again!! Love you Rafa . XXX
Rafa game today was a killer against #1. Was an amazing game to watch! Vamos Rafa!
It was a delight to watch Rafa playing today! And it was specially satisfying to know his mental strength is back. An outstanding performance!!! Congratulations to you, your team and your family! You deserve it all.
The King is back!!!!!!
An excellent performance Rafa,so pleased you won but it makes the victory sweeter that it was against the Djoker!Vamos and all the best for the French!💕
Yes, it was so much sweeter that this win came at Djoker’s expense! Love you, Rafa!! And your pretty little bride!
Ask if we loved the 🥯congrats on a fabulous victory🤛👍👏💪🏆salty or not, you got the job done in style😎Thank you 🙏for a magnificent win. Enjoy the moment and celebrate🎉🍾💕
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Enhorabuena,Rafa!
Great job, Rafa!!! So happy for you. Enhorabuena on your *9th* Rome title! Better than titles is to see Rafa playing like Rafa again! I am one happy octogenarian!
OK, now that my heart has resumed beating, it stopped after Rafa won, I want to congratulate him in Rome bageling and defeating his nemesis, Novak in this glorious victory. I have to admit after the 2nd set, I had to have a glass of wine to settle my nerves. But of course, the Rafa fire-works started up again in the 3rd set.
What a day for Rafa, his team, family and fans all around the world. Rome #9, WOW, enjoy the much deserved celebration.
Rafa is back!!!