ROME — Top-ranked Novak Djokovic bolstered his clay-court credentials a week ahead of Roland Garros with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 win over Roger Federer on Sunday to capture his fourth Italian Open tennis title.
Extending his winning streak to 22 matches, Djokovic proved too consistent and too quick for Federer, who has never won the title at the Foro Italico in 15 appearances.
“It was a great week and today was my best match,” Djokovic told the crowd in Italian.
“It’s always a pleasure to play against Roger and obviously I’m very pleased by today. … Along with 2011, this is the best year of my career. I don’t know how (to) continue at Roland Garros but obviously I have a lot of confidence. I hope I can continue like this.”
The French Open begins next weekend at Roland Garros.
Djokovic produced a spectacular return to set up the decisive break at the end of the first set then got an early break in the second.
The match lasted just 75 minutes.
“Novak was too strong today,” Federer said. “I know I can play better. Novak was rock solid today.”
In the women’s tournament, Maria Sharapova rallied to beat 10th-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 and win her third Rome title.
The victory gives Sharapova confidence as she prepares to defend her title at the French Open. The French Open is the only Grand Slam that Djokovic has never won, and he will enter as the favorite this year considering Rafael Nadal’s recent struggles.
“I don’t think I need to go and do anything more special for Roland Garros,” Djokovic said. “I just need to keep going on (this) route.”
Djokovic also won the Rome title in 2008, 2011 and last year.
With the temperature soaring above 30 Celsius (about 90 Fahrenheit) at the Foro Italico, Djokovic won most of the long rallies.
The first set was decided by just a few points.
Leading 5-4, Djokovic produced a spectacular forehand return cross-court winner that landed on the line to set up a break point, then closed it out when Federer netted a backhand after a long rally.
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