Nadal unseats Djoko for record 4th crown

ROME – Rafael Nadal won his record fourth Rome Masters title Sunday, beating defending champion Novak Djokovic, 7-6 (2), 6-2.

It’s the third clay-court title in three weeks for the top-ranked Spaniard, following victories at the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open.

“For sure it’s one of the biggest wins of my career,” Nadal said. “It’s always incredible to win in Rome.”

Nadal extended his winning streak on clay to 30 matches, stretching back to an opening-round loss to Juan Carlos Ferrero in Rome last year.

By failing to defend his title, Djokovic will lose the No. 3 ranking to Andy Murray on May 11, when last year’s points drop out. The 21-year-old Serb has been No. 3 since August 2007.

Nadal broke an Open Era tie with Thomas Muster, who won Rome titles in 1990, 1995 and 1996. Jaroslav Drobny and Martin Mulligan also each won three titles before the Open Era.

Chris Evert holds the women’s record at the Foro Italico with five titles.

Rome is a key warmup for the French Open, which begins in three weeks. Nadal has won the last four titles at Roland Garros.

Djokovic performed an imitation of Nadal during the trophy presentation, rolling his sleeves up, pulling his shorts down slightly and reaching down to arrange his socks as Nadal does before every point.

“I can’t win on the court but I win the impression contest,” Djokovic said.

Nadal broke serve in the opening game of the match but Djokovic had his chances in the first set before losing control for good in the tiebreaker, sending a weak backhand drop-shot attempt into the net on Nadal’s third set point. (AP)