Novak Djokovic won the Italian Open on Sunday, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.- The title is Djokovic's first of the year and comes just a week before the start of the French Open.
Novak Djokovic won his first title of the year on Sunday as he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of the Italian Open.
The Serbian put on a dominant performance to beat his Greek opponent 6-0, 7-6 (7-5).
His victory in Rome comes just one week before the start of the French Open and brings to an end what has been a nightmare start to 2022 for the world number one.
Since being deported from Australia ahead of the Australian Open in January due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19, the 34-year-old has since dropped out of a number of tournaments early and suffered numerous upsets.
At April's Monte Carlos Masters, he crashed out in the first round before blaming his lack of stamina. At the Serbia Open later that same month, he was then beaten by youngster Andrey Rublev in the final.
He also briefly lost his world number one ranking to Russia's Daniil Medvedev, though he quickly claimed it back after just three weeks as the world's second best player.
In Rome, however, Djokovic won his 38th Masters event without dropping a set during the whole tournament.
"After everything that happened at the beginning of the year, it was important for me to win a big title, especially with Grand Slams coming up where obviously I want to play my best," said Djokovic after his victory over Tstisipas.
"Everything that I was feeling in the first few months of the year, as much as I've felt pressure in my life and my career, that was something really on a whole different level.
"But I feel it's already behind me. I feel great on the court. Mentally as well. I'm fresh. I'm sharp."
He added that he is now feeling good about his chances of winning the French Open, which he was won twice before.
Djokovic was initially set to be barred from entering the tournament due to his vaccination status, but will now be able to compete after the country relaxed its vaccination rules.
"I could not ask for a better lead-up to Roland Garros," said the Serb. "I'm going to Paris with confidence and good feelings about my chances there."
The French Open stars on May 22.