“One of the most important of my career,” Nadal told reporters in regard to the Rome title. “Win in Rome is a a big title. I have right now 15 Masters 1000 in my career, so that’s a lot, and I’m very happy for that. Win here in Rome is always unbelievable.”

Nadal has won 28 straight matches on clay dating to May 7 of last year when he lost to Ferrero in the second round here in Rome. Nadal beat Djokovic earlier this year at the beginning of the claycourt season in Monte Carlo.