Murray beats Djokovic to clinch Rome title

Andy Murray beat Novak Djokovic on clay for the first time to win the Italian Open title on Sunday in a match that Djokovic argued should have been stopped due to rain.

Gaining a measure of revenge for his loss to Djokovic in the Madrid Open final a week ago, the third-ranked Murray defeated the top-ranked Djokovic 6-3 6-3.

Djokovic had won all four of their previous matches on clay but had to fight fatigue following draining wins over Rafael Nadal and Kei Nishikori.

It’s Murray’s first title in Rome and it comes exactly a week before the French Open begins.

“It’s mostly great players have won this event, so I’m very proud to have my name on the trophy,” Murray said.

“Today against Novak is nice. I know he didn’t play his best today. But there were still some tough moments for me in the second set. I saved the break points well and held strong. And overall it was a great week for me. I didn’t lose a set.”