Djokovic, vs Nadal in Rome

ROME (AP):

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal and No. 2 Novak Djokovic will resume their budding rivalry in the Italian Open final today.

Nadal overcame a stiff first-set challenge from Richard Gasquet before rolling to a 7-5, 6-1 win in the semi-finals yesterday and Djokovic was pushed to the limit in a 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (2) victory over fourth-ranked Andy Murray, extending his unbeaten streak to 38 matches.

Djokovic beat Nadal in title matches in Indian Wells and Miami earlier this year, then also won in Madrid last weekend, his first victory over the Spaniard on clay.

This tournament is another key clay warm-up for the French Open, which starts next weekend.

"Every aspect of the game will be important,'' Nadal said. "I know Djokovic is playing at an exceptional level right now, but I just have to fight to the end like I always do. If I don't beat him tomorrow, then the next match.

"I'll probably play with less pressure than before because I (am no longer) the favourite,'' added Nadal, who should be much fresher physically.

31-1 record

Nadal has won this tournament five of the last six years and owns a 31-1 record at the Foro Italico. Djokovic has won all 36 of his matches this year, trailing only John McEnroe's 42-0 start in 1984.

In the women's final, Maria Sharapova will meet last year's French Open runner-up Sam Stosur.

Sharapova outslugged top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-3 and Stosur beat fourth-seeded Li Na of China 7-6 (6), 6-0.

Murray was unable to hold serve in the opening set, which Djokovic dominated with the help of an effective spinning drop shot.

In the second set, Murray began to win the longer points, taking a key break to go up 5-3 when Djokovic netted a backhand to conclude a tense rally in which neither player was taking much risk.