Italian Open 2021 Final: Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
In the battle of goliaths, top seed Novak Djokovic will face second seed Rafael Nadal in the Final of the Rome Masters 2021.
Match Details :
| Tournament | ATP Italian Open 2021 |
| Match | Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal |
| Round | Final |
| Date | 16th May, 2021 |
| Prize Money | €245,085 |
| Venue | Rome, Italy |
| Surface | Clay Court |
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal: Preview
The two most celebrated players of the past decade- Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will meet once again in the final of the Rome Masters. Djokovic has had an amazing tournament so far and has shown great resilience and temperament.
After defeating Fritz and Fokina in the initial two rounds, he faced a massive challenge against Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite the Greek leading for the majority of the match, Djokovic managed to cross the finishing line in three tight sets. In the semi-final, he defeated Lorenzo Sonego despite all odds in three sets 6-3,6-7(5),6-2.
Nadal was been phenomenal all week in Rome. He was handed a very tough draw and has hence defeated some quality opponents on his way to the final. After seeing off Jannik Sinner in the opening round, Nadal defeated Denis Shapovalov in a three set epic.
He then took revenge from Alexander Zverev of his last week’s defeat and finally knocked off American giant, Reilly Opelka in straight sets 6-4,6-4 to reach his 12th final in Rome.
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal: Head-to-Head
This will be a record 57th meeting between the duo. Djokovic leads the H2H 29-27. They last met at the 2020 Roland Garros final where Nadal won in straight sets.
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal: Prediction
This will be the 6th time the two will meet in the Final of the Rome Masters. As like most of their matches over the years, their is no clear favorite as to who will win. Djokovic is coming off a hectic Saturday, where he was on court for almost 5 hours(for his 2 matches) and will definitely need some time to recover.
As for Nadal, he has been clinical for most of the week. Barring his backhand, all his weapons seem to be polished and he would want to create history by winning his record 10th title in Rome. It should be a treat to watch these two play. Expect a thrilling match with Nadal winning in a dramatic fashion.
Prediction: Nadal to win in three sets.
Also read: Italian Open 2021 Final: Karolina Pliskova vs Iga Swiatek –Preview, Head to Head and Prediction
Stay Updated!
Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)