Nadal defeats Djokovic to win Rome Masters

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ROME, May 3 - World number one Rafael Nadal overcame stubborn early resistance from defending champion Novak Djokovic to claim the Rome Masters crown with an entertaining 7-6 6-2 win on Sunday.

The Spaniard took the first set in a tiebreak after Serbian Djokovic had twice recovered breaks as well as destroying a racket after losing serve in the 11th game.

Nadal broke the third seed twice in the second set to continue his stunning form, sealing victory with a superlative forehand pass.

The result also meant Djokovic will surrender the number three spot in the world rankings to Andy Murray on May 11 even though the 21-year-old Scot lost his opening match in Rome to Argentine qualifier Juan Monaco.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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