Djokovic aims for 7th Italian Open title, eyes top spot before French Open

ROME: Famous Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is aiming for his seventh title at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Italian Open) on Sunday.

Clinching the current title is critical for the Serbian player as this could make him the top-ranked player in the world right before another major tournament, the French Open.

Read more: Tennis: Djokovic dominates to reach Monte Carlo third round

Djokovic is currently ahead in the rankings by 1,090 points compared to his closest rival, Jannik Sinner. But to stay at the top when the French Open starts, he needs to win in the current tournament, the Italian Open.

For Djokovic to defend his title in the French Open, the Serbian tennis player needs to earn 2,000 points. in the Italian Open. On the other hand, his opponent Italian Open only earned 45 points in his previous match. If Djokovic is able to clinch the Italian Open title, it could make a big difference in his ranking.

Every match Djokovic plays in the current tournament is important because it affects his chances of staying at the top. Unfortunately, his journey in Rome hit a bump when he got hit by a water bottle after his first-round win.

The Serbian also has a big rivalry with fellow tennis legent Rafael Nadal. The tennis maestros have played against each other many times in Rome.

Read more: Tennis: Ruud upsets Djokovic to join Tsitsipas in Monte Carlo final

The legends commenced their rivalry at the Italian Open in last 2000s. While Nadal quickly established himself as one of the greatest tennis players early in his career, it would take Djokovic a little while to ascend through the ranks.

Over the years, the rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has intensified, marked by a series of high-stakes encounters. Initially, Nadal dominated the early exchanges, but Djokovic’s prominence grew significantly later in his career. The recent matches between them have showcased exceptional skill and competitiveness, solidifying their places in tennis history.

The rivalry between these tennis greats is notably iconic in the Italian Open. While the Colosseum stands as a symbol of ancient history, Rome has also been a witness to some of the finest moments in tennis history, largely due to the contributions of Nadal and Djokovic.