Novak Djokovic overcame Roger Federer to win the Rome Masters for a fourth time on Sunday.
The Serbian top seed, who also beat Federer in Indian Wells two months ago, powered to a 6-4 6-3 win to take his 24th ATP Masters crown.
The first set went with serve, as Djokovic reeled in 10 out of 11 points before having to prove his clay credentials at 4-all, forcing a deuce from 0-30 down to pulling ahead 5-4.
Djokovic was on ascendancy until the final game. Needing two points to grab the opener, he rifled a return winner that clipped the edge of the tramlines. The world No. 1 eventually converted his first set point to take the set in 39 minutes.
The Serb broke again in the second game of the second set and then made use of his dominance in baseline points won (30-12) to take the third game.
There was no way back for Federer as Djokovic wrapped up victory when the Swiss hit a forehand out on match point.
The pair were meeting for the 39th time and Djokovic did well enough narrow Federer’s lead to 20-19.