'Unreal': Staggering detail in Novak Djokovic's Italian Open triumph

Novak Djokovic has delivered a brutal warning to his rivals ahead of next week's French Open after re-writing the record books to claim a sixth Italian Open title.

After missing a large portion of the season because he wasn't vaccinated against the coronavirus, Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-0 7-6 (7-5) to claim another crown in Rome.

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Djokovic didn't drop a set all week, having won his 1000th career match over Casper Ruud in the semi-finals.

Victory saw him become the oldest men's singles champion in the history of the Italian Open - surpassing his great rival Rafael Nadal.

It was also a record-extending 38th ATP Masters 1000 crown for the Serbian superstar, who will surely go into the French Open as a raging hot favourite as he aims to match Nadal's record haul of 21 grand slam singles titles.

"I've been building my form the last few weeks," Djokovic said.

"It couldn't be better timing coming into Roland Garros. Perfect scenario for me."

Djokovic's win saw him extend his advantage over Top 10 opponents to 232-106, with no other player enjoying a better record than the Serb since the ATP rankings system was introduced in 1973.

"He played really well. He started amazing," Tsitsipas said in his post-match press conference.

"He played great tennis. Really closing the gap in most of the shots. Behind every single ball. Incredible handling of every single ball, not giving away any unforced errors."

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Djokovic, who was deported because of his unvaccinated status ahead of the Australian Open, hadn't won a tournament since the Paris Masters in November.

"This year it was a particular situation. With everything that happened in Australia, it took some time," Djokovic said.

"I found my best shape here. I'm going to Paris with a lot of confidence."

"This court has always been very, very special," he said, after his 12th final at the Foro Italico.

"It's given me joy when I really needed positive sensations. Whenever my form was a bit down I've found energy in this city."

Djokovic needed only 30 minutes to win the opening set, dishing out a 'bagel' to his Greek rival in a grossly lopsided opening stanza.

Tsitsipas got so frustrated at one point that he banged his racquet against his bag during a changeover and mangled the frame.

After falling behind early in the second set, Djokovic stepped up his game when Tsitsipas served for the set at 5-3.

First, he ripped a forehand cross-court return winner that landed on the line, then on the next point he pushed Tsitsipas from corner to corner before the fifth-ranked Greek player resorted to a drop shot attempt that landed in the net.

Djokovic celebrated with a series of fist pumps as the crowd chanted his nickname, "No-le ... No-le!".

When a backhand from Tsitsipas sailed wide on the first match point, Djokovic simply raised his arms and smiled.

During the trophy ceremony, he then made a special dedication: "Today at four (PM) when we started this match, my son Stefan, who is seven years old, was playing his first tennis match. I hope he won. This is for him!"

Djokovic produced 24 winners to Tsitsipas' eight and had only 14 unforced errors to Tsitsipas' 20.

with agencies

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