Novak Djokovic overcame a slow start agains Diego Schwartzman to win his 5th Internazionali BNL d'Italia trophy after a victory in straight sets (7-5, 6-3).
While it was not the final that everyone hoped the see,
Djokovic and Schwartzman found themselves in the Rome final because of their stellar play. Neither play disappointed and it wasn't by chance or luck they were in the final. The start was a dream one for Schwartzman who came out laser-focused as he was for the majority of the week. Djokovic is known to have slow starts had one again and Diego seized his chance. He broke him in the 1st game then again in the 3rd game to take a 3-0 lead.
By that time, Djokovic warmed up enough so he started to play better pulling one break back. A few moments later who pulled the 2nd break back to make it 3-3. After that, it was rather calm as both player's were winning their own games. Djokovic had to fend off a breakpoint at 4-4 and he did so. He would then have a breakpoint of his own but similar to Diego he failed to use that set point. The marathon set lasted for two more games, games where Djokovic took control and ended the set with 7-5.
The 2nd set started off with another break as Diego broke Djokovic's serve once again. It didn't last long as Nole fought back immediately to make it 2-1. From there on the match continued calmly with both players maintaining their serve without any issues. The crucial moment came at 4-3 when Diego played a bad game and Novak took advantage of it. He took a 5-3 lead and it seemed like he was cruising to his 5th Internazionali BNL d'Italia Rome trophy.
He would go on to win that game with ease and secure his 5th Rome trophy. It was a fitting end for a week in which Djokovic demonstrated he was still on top of his game after the disappointment in New York.
Click here to see the prize money the player earned!
https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1308089956401700864