Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning the Italian Open final against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman at Foro Italico, Rome on September 21. (REUTERS Photo)
Rome, September 22 (IANS): World number one Novak Djokovic won the men's singles title at the Italian Open after defeating Diego Schwartzman of Argentina in straight sets, three weeks after completing his second Career Golden Masters at the Western & Southern Open.
On Monday evening, Djokovic defeated Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3 to clinch a record-breaking 36th Masters 1000 crown, one more than Rafael Nadal.
Entering the summit clash, Schwartzman, 28, was attempting to join 2016 champion Andy Murray and 2017 winner Alexander Zverev as only the third player outside of Djokovic and Nadal to win the title in Rome since 2005.
"It was a great week, a very challenging week. I don't think I played my best tennis throughout the entire week, but I think I found my best tennis when I needed it the most in the decisive moments today, yesterday (and in) practically every match," said Djokovic after the match as per the ATP Tour website.
"That definitely makes me very satisfied and proud that I managed to find that fifth gear when it was most needed. Turning to Paris, I couldn't ask for a better tournament here in Rome. Another big title and (I am) super pleased with it," he added.
The world number one has now won 31 of his 32 matches this year. He has won four trophies from five events in 2020, following title runs at the Australian Open, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and the Western & Southern Open.
Completes 286th week as No.1, pips Sampras
Djokovic, who has started his 287th week at the number one position in the ATP Rankings, has gone past Pete Sampras (286 weeks) for second place in the all-time list of most weeks at the numero uno spot.
Sampras, who was ranked number one for the first time on April 12, 1993, spent a total of 11 stints in top spot, with his longest run of 102 weeks between April 15, 1996 and March 29, 1998.
"Pete was my childhood idol growing up, so of course surpassing his record is very special to me," said Djokovic as per the ATP Tour website.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion, who began his fifth stint at the summit of men's professional tennis on February 3, 2020, is now 24 weeks away from breaking Roger Federer's record of 310 weeks at No. 1. If he continues to hold onto the top spot, he will pass the Swiss legend's record on March 8 next year.
"This is one of my two biggest professional goals," said Djokovic. "To reach the record of, (and) surpass Roger's record for longest (time at) No. 1 and win as many (Grand) Slams as possible. I have been saying that before, so I'm working towards that. I'm at a good place right now, in a good position. Hopefully I can stay healthy and continue to play well," he added.
