Rome: After all these years, Rafael Nadal still knows how to dominate Roger Federer. In the 30th meeting between the two tennis greats, Nadal controlled the final from start to finish to win 6-1, 6-3 on Sunday for his seventh Italian Open title.
It was the most lop-sided win in the series since Nadal also lost just four games, but over three sets, in the 2008 French Open final against Federer. Nadal improved to 20-10 in his career against Federer, and showed once again that he'll be the player to beat when the tournament at Roland Garros starts next Sunday. It was the fifth-ranked Spaniard's fifth title since returning earlier this year from a seven-month layoff due to a left knee injury.
Federer had not dropped a set all week, but he had no reply for Nadal's topspin-heavy groundstrokes. The 17-time Grand Slam winner attempted serving and volleying, but he either missed the volley or Nadal passed him with the return. Federer lost more points, 10, than he won, nine, at the net. He also committed 32 unforced errors to Nadal's eight.
Center court at the Foro Italico was packed to the limit with 10,500 fans, but the crowd didn't get to see too much tennis. The men's final took only 1 hour, 9 minutes.