The Baseline Player of the Week: Rafael Nadal

In recent weeks, some have wondered if Rafael Nadal would get back in top form in time for Roland Garros. Nw, there is no doubt that the Spaniard is definitely the favorite.

The world No. 2 earned his ninth Rome title, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final for his first title of the season. It was the first time that Nadal has played in the Italian Open without winning a title beforehand since 2004 but this is the 16th consecutive year that Nadal has won at least one singles title.

Nadal won the match, 6-0, 4-6, 6-1, giving Djokovic his first bagel ever against the Spaniard in 54 meetings. In four of his five matches Nadal won at least one set 6-0 and was only broken twice during the week. Nadal is now the record-holder for most ATP Masters 1000 tittles with 34 but Djokovic still leads their head-to-head series, 28-26.