Rafael Nadal sealed a record-extending 10th title at the Rome Masters after defeating his great rival Novak Djokovic in three sets in Sunday’s final.
“I was lucky in some moments, especially against [Denis] Shapovalov,” Rafa said, referring to the last-16 match he won in a tiebreak in the decider.
“And then I think I played a good tournament, I have been playing better and better, finding my rhythm on clay. I had a very positive week and I’m very happy.
“It’s amazing to have this trophy in my hands for the 10th time. It’s something impossible to imagine but it happened so I’m super happy and can’t thank my team enough.”
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Well done and hearty congratulations to my number one hero. Go Rafa go!!. Your true fan in Zambia.
Beside all the things your rafa fans have said , what I also enjoy is that Rafa keeps improving his head-to-head against Djokovic. Rafa is only one behind him now.
👍 I agree with you, me too. 29-28
Marileena-thanks for 60 Minutes heads up-enjoyed the segment-Mallorca is beautiful. Rafael Nadal is so centred. Tennis has given us some respite from the turbulence of the last year. You can see why
returning to Mallorca would be finding normalcy.
Can anybody explain why Rafa’s ranking is not improved after winning this tournament bcz he was a quarterfinalist last year??
It’s due to the pandemic ranking rules put in place.
Khawartaimoor Rafa did move up in the Race to Turin and now qualifies for the ATP Finals if he can keep or improve his ranking.
I was wondering exactly the same thing, Khawartaimoor. Novak lost 400 points because he won the title last year, but Rafa gained nothing by moving from being a quarter finalist last year to a title winner yesterday. I know that there’ve been adjustments to the ranking points system due to covid, but the actual mechanics here are still unclear to me.
Margo n Lorna I still don’t understand bcz these are deducted n not gained…. Thank you for your responses both of you
I too am not sure why Nole lost points. Two things I am clear about from my reading:
The ATP Final standings as of the date of the tournament in November will still include some points from periods prior to 1-1-21. Not sure which old points will still be included. (I believe Rafa is currently 6th, just a few points below 4th).
Year 2021 year end points will include only points earned in 2021. Thus Rafa still has a chance to end the year as Number 1.
Also someone on this site said that failing to appear in a tournament the player played in 2019 or 2020 loses half the points earned in the tournament. Did Nole play Madrid in 2019?
Anyway much of it is a mystery.
I think the ATP ranking is still on the Covid-adjusted 24-mth cycle. Since Rafa won Rome in 2019, he didn’t gain any points.
Congratulations, Rafa! You were amazing today and throughout the entire tournament. Every match in the draw was so challenging but again you persevered. Rafa has nerves and wrists of steel. I found this win so special! Also watched and enjoyed the interview on 60 minutes for the 2nd time. Can’t believe Roland Garros is just around the corner. Can’t wait!
Hi Diane, me too, I also watched it for the second time and enjoyed it. May I ask did you go to the Shanghai Rolex Masters back in 2015 by any chance with Steve? Your name sounds familiar.
Hi Mimi,
No, that was not me! However, I plan to go to the US Open this year! I’m sure fans will be permitted, hopefully!
Hi Diane, thanks for your response.🙏 I went to the US open in 2017, and it was my lucky year as I saw Rafa won La Decima in Paris, then he also won the US open. Good luck to you.🍀
Congratulations to a great champion who wrote another page of tennis history on winning his 10th title in Rome. He improved his tennis in each match and grew in confidence. The final, as expected, was a tough contest and saw some great tennis. I was concerned during the second set but the third saw the best of Rafa. He had nerves of steel to fight off a break and a challenge as he played the last game.
It is a significant win.
His victory celebration said it all.
Congratulations to a great champion. Well done to Novak who made contributed to a great final.
Now for a short rest before he heads to Roland Garros.
Rafa, I’m
Proud to support you. You are a hero, a role model and a tennis history maker. 👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
La Decima in Roma. Incredible clutch play. Suffering in the second set; so many intense moments-then Rafa jumping for joy. So glad your family was there to share this special moment. Celebrate in eternal Roma🍾🎊🎉thank you for an unforgettable match🙏🎾❤️👑
If anyone is interested Rafa did an interview with “ 60 minutes” on CBS. They’re running it right now. How apropos…
thanks
Congratulations to Rafa in winning his fourth La Decima and tenth Rome title. Another unbelievable match from Rafa.
If someone had told me in 2005 that I’d still be a Rafa fan in 2021 I would have had the biggest laugh denying it.
RAFAMAZING IS KING OF LA DECIMA
So true Margo! How about that kid from Mallorca… Who would have guessed that he would become one of the most famous tennis players ever! He has broken all records in any sport! Not one team or player has won a tournament 13 times like Rafa! He is just so special! I can’t imagine being his mother or father I don’t know how they handled all these years!. His father went gray it’s seems like over night. I remember seeing him in Rafa’s box and I thought…Oh how nice Jay Leno came to watch Rafa & it was his father! I just watched the rerun from start to finished. I’m glad I didn’t watch it live because I would have been freaking out! 6-1 second set 😱 Rafa just blew the match. However Rafa clicked into a different dimension & plowed through the 3rd! What a tournament and what a champion! 💜💜💜Rafa! So happy for him & all of his fans!
I was not happy during the second set, but he did brilliantly to win it in the end.
Rafa so pleased for you and very well done I am very relieved you won keep it up! We all love you so keep going -how wonderful to see you at your best!
Who is watching the replay on TC? I might walk away in the second set, but come back for the decider. 😉
Watching now 10th time…Every victory of Rafa is so special after all
👍
Many congratulations Rafa!! Enjoy your victory with your loved ones, well deserved!👏❤️🥰
Rest well before you prepare for the FO. Will wait patiently to see you again……all the best!
Rafa congratulations you play amazing today the best tennis a see well don vamosssssss champ 💪👍❤️🎾😘🏆🇺🇸
Congratulations Rafa on your 10th Italian Masters.
CONGRATULATIONS RAFA!
After 20 yrs of profi play you’re still
the King.
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
💝❤💜💙💝❤💜💙💝💜
You have found yourself; the one who has confidence and grit!! So glad it has come on time to do whatever you need to play your best at RG.. Your self talk will take you far. All beautiful smiles and relief!! Rest. Enjoy. Prepare. I really like Roig…..he knows how to help it seems and he is THERE for you.
Vamos, man.
So happy for you. Vamos Rafa❤️
Lil Mauck, coach Moya did not make the trip. Rafa’s long time No 2 coach, Fracis Roig, was there with him all week.
Congratulations Coach Roig!
CONGRATULATIONS Rafa, on your 10th title. Super super happy for you. God bless you, and your team.
Love you dear Rafa. ❤❤❤💚💜💖
How brilliant Rafa so pleased for you my hero you are the best. All the best for your future matches. With love from one of your greatest fans in England!