Italian Open 2022 score, winner and recap: Novak Djokovic secures record-extending 38th Masters 1000 crown

Novak Djokovic seized a record-extending 38th Masters 1000 trophy as he fended off Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of the Rome Masters on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Score

Djokovic thwarted Tsitsipas 6-0, 7-6(5) to secure his grip on the Masters 1000 record (38). He thus kept a safe distance from closest rival Rafael Nadal, who has 36 Masters 1000 titles. Roger Federer is third with 28.

The World No. 1, who failed to defend his crown against Nadal in the final last year, was able to finish the job this time around, claiming the trophy in the Italian capital for the sixth time.

Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Winner

In their previous encounter in the final of at Roland Garros last season, Djokovic had to squeeze out a five-set victory over Tsitsipas after going two sets down. It was a much easier route for the World No. 1 this time around, as he bageled the Greek in the opening set.

Though he had to face a tougher challenge from Tsitsipas in the second stanza, Djokovic steeled himself in the end to win the tournament without dropping a single set.

Djokovic, at 34 years, 11 months and 23 days, thus became the oldest champion in the Italian capital in the Open Era. He is now 87-38 in career finals, including 38-17 at the Masters 1000 level.

First-time Rome finalist Tsitsipas, who leads the men's tour with 31 wins this season, dropped to 2-7 (0-5 on clay) against Djokovic. He has now lost his last six encounters against the Serb.

Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Recap

The World No. 1 converted three of his five break point opportunities in the first set and did not face one on his own serve as he clinched the opener in 30 minutes. Djokovic won 27 of the 37 points contested in the set.

Tsitsipas, however, found his footing in the second, opening the frame with a hold of serve for the first time in the match. The World No. 5 earned his first two break chances in the fourth game.

Djokovic peppered Tsitsipas' backhand but fizzled instead as he netted his shot to hand the Greek his first break of the match at 3-1.

Tsitsipas had another look in the sixth game, earning a break point as Djokovic's drop shot went short. But the Serb swung an angled backhand winner to save it and then countered Tsitsipas' drop shot with a pass on the way to holding serve for 4-2.

Determined to turn things around, Tsitsipas held for 5-2. But a rejuvenated Djokovic prevented him from serving it out as he broke back for 4-5 and went on to hold to pull level at 5-5.

Each held strong in quick service games to force a tie-break.

Djokovic moved ahead 3-2 as Tsitsipas sputtered with three mistakes on his backhand. An ace and another strong serve pushed the Serb further in front at 5-2. But miscues by the World No. 1 helped Tsitsipas pull level at 5-5.

Djokovic then targeted the Greek's backhand to draw a wayward return to reach championship point. He converted on his first try as Tsitsipas sent his backhand crosscourt wide.

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