Murray beats Djokovic to win maiden Rome Masters
Andy Murray beat the world No.1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, to win his first Rome Masters title, ahead of the upcoming French Open. This came just after the duo played each other in the finals of Madrid Masters last week, where Novak won the title. The Scot became the first British player since 1931 to win the Italian Open.
Italian Open or Internazionali d’Italia
Internazionali d'Italia or Italian Open, founded in 1930, is an annual tennis tournament. It is played outdoor on clay courts at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy. With a record number of 7, Nadal holds the most Italian Open titles (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013). The 2015 champions of the tournament were Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova.
2016 Italian Open
The 2016 Italian Open was the 73rd edition of the Italian Open. It took place from 9–15 May 2016. While Men's tournament has a total prize money worth 4,300,755 Euros, the Women's one has 2,300,000 Euros as the total prize.
Progress of the 'Big Four' in Rome
As the luck of the draw would have it, three of the 'Big Four' - Federer, Nadal and Djokovic fell into the same half. While an ailing Federer fell early to the young Dominic Thiem, Nadal overcame Kyrgios in the third round to set up a quarter final clash with Djokovic. Murray, who had a relatively comfortable draw sailed through to the finals.
Djokovic edges past Nadal, Nishikori to reach final
A resurgent Nadal lost to Djokovic in a narrow 7-5, 7-6 defeat in the quarter final. In semis, the World No.1 survived an incredibly sharp Kei Nishikori in a thrilling 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory to set up a final with Andy Murray.
Serena Williams wins fourth Italian Open
In an unpredictable season of Women's tennis, Madison Keys sprung up to the challenge setting up the final against Serena in Rome. Serena overcame a stubborn effort from the fellow American to win her first WTA title in nine months. She won her last title in Cincinnati in August. It was Serena's fourth win at Rome, including her victories in 2002, 2013 and 2014.
Sania wins it for India in doubles
World No.1 women's doubles pairing of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis clinched the Rome Masters title by beating Elena Vesnina and Ekaterina Makarova 6-1, 6(5)-7, 10-3 in the final. This was the Santina's 14th title as a pair, and their fifth of the season. The win in Italy was their first title since February and their first ever on red clay.
Djokovic, Murray: Head-to-Head
Including the latest win by Murray at Rome, Djokovic leads him 23-10. After the 2013 Wimbledon final, Italian Open was only the second instance where Murray beat Nole in the last 14 times they have faced each other.
