Two in a Row

Rafael Nadal again defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, 7-5, 6-3, for the second time in a row to win the 2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia. The victory is Nadal's sixth title in Rome. He also avenged his loss to Djokovic in the final last year. The title in Foro Italico is also Nadal's 49th overall ATP titles, and his 35th on clay. He will also ascend to number 2 ranking, which he lost to Roger Federer last week.

Djokovic defeated Federer in the semifinals, while Nadal defeated fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in straight sets to reach his 70th final. Nadal now holds a record 21 Masters titles.


The total prize money is € 2,427,975. 

Feat of Clay

Rafael Nadal set another record when he won the 2012 Barcelona Open last weekend. By beating David Ferrer 7-6, 7-5 in the finals, Nadal now has won the tournament seven times. The victory came at the heels of his record eighth title in Monte Carlo two weeks ago. 


Nadal defeated Fernando Verdasco in the semis, while Ferrer defeated Milos Raonic to book a place in the finals. 

Nadal debuted in professional tennis in the same tournament in 2002, as a 15-year old. Nadal He now has 48 ATP singles titles, 34 of which are in clay. He also became the first tennis player in the open era to win seven straight titles in two tournaments.