Nadal 1-0 Djokovic
Tense opening game with Nadal getting two break points as it goes to deuce. And a forehand into the net gets the Spaniard the early break!
Play…
3.13pm: The warm-ups are complete and we are ready on a packed centre court in the Italian capital. It’s Djokovic to serve first.
Moments away
3.05pm: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal make their way onto court in Rome with the Serb looking slightly tense. Great reception for both men.
This is the first meeting between the pair since the Australian Open final with Djokovic winning in straight sets at the start of the year.
Indeed, Nadal hasn’t tasted victory over the current world No 1 since beating him in the semi-finals of this competition last year.
Stay with us to see who gets their hands on the Italian Open crown this year.
RAFAEL NADAL vs NOVAK DJOKOVIC LIVE STREAM: HOW TO WATCH THE ACTION
Prize money available
2.50pm: We are not far away from the two players stepping onto court in Rome, but how much money is at stake.
The winner of this match walks away with a tasty £840,000.
The loser will have to console himself with £425,000.
You almost feel bad for whoever is beaten. Almost.
Djokovic excited
2.40pm: Novak Djokovic can’t wait to face Nadal for the 54th time.
The Serb said: “He [Nadal] keeps on showing to the world why he’s one of the biggest legends of tennis history.
“I have the greatest respect for him. He’s my greatest rival of all time, for sure.
“Every time we get to play each other, it’s a thrill. It’s the ultimate challenge.”
Nadal fires warning shot
2.30pm: Nadal has warned his closest rivals Djokovic and Roger Federer that he can still improve.
After beating Tsitsipas, Nadal said: “The main thing is I am playing better. If I play better, I know I’m going to have chances to be in finals and to win semi-final matches.
“If you are not playing well, [beating] the best players of the world is much more difficult.
“I have margin to keep improving. But, I am doing the right steps to be there.”
Djokovic’s route to the final
2.15pm: It’s been a little trickier for Djokovic but he’s still made it to the final.
2nd round: BEAT Denis Shapovalov 6-1 6-3
3rd round: BEAT Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3 6-0
Quarter-final: BEAT Juan Martin del Potro 4-6 7-6 6-4
Semi-final: BEAT Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-7 6-3
Nadal’s route to the final
2pm: Rafael Nadal is yet to drop a set in Rome and avenged his Madrid Open defeat to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-final.
2nd round: BEAT Jeremy Chardy 6-0 6-1
3rd round: BEAT Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 6-0
Quarter-final: BEAT Fernando Verdasco 6-4 6-0
Semi-final: BEAT Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4
Welcome
1.45pm: Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s LIVE coverage of the Italian Open final.
The players are due on court around 3pm UK time, but we will have plenty of build up before then.