ROME (AP) – Top-ranked Novak Djokovic bolstered his clay-court credentials a week ahead of Roland Garros with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 win over Roger Federer on Sunday to capture his fourth Italian Open tennis title.
Extending his winning streak to 22 matches, Djokovic proved too consistent and too quick for Federer, who has never won the title at the Foro Italico in 15 appearances.
Djokovic produced a spectacular return to set up the decisive break at the end of the first set then got an early break in the second.
The match lasted just 75 minutes. 
In the women’s tournament, Maria Sharapova rallied to beat tenth-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 and win her third Rome title.
The victory gives Sharapova confidence as she prepares to defend her title at the French Open, which starts next weekend.
The French Open is the only Grand Slam that Djokovic has never won, and he will enter as the favourite this year considering Rafael Nadal’s recent struggles.
