ROME (AP) – Roger Federer will renew his rivalry with Novak Djokovic in the Italian Open tennis final on Sunday, giving the 17-time Grand Slam champion another chance to add an elusive title to his collection.
Federer dispatched Swiss countryman Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-2 in less than an hour in the semi-finals on Saturday, while the top-ranked Djokovic delivered his best performance of the week, downing David Ferrer 6-4, 6-4.
Along with Monte Carlo, Rome is one of only two Masters series titles that Federer has never won.
“I just like winning a title. Now OK, this is Rome, and it’s one I’ve never won so you might think it’s extra special but for some reason it’s not for me,” Federer said.
In women’s action, Maria Sharapova reached the final by overpowering qualifier Daria Gavrilova 7-5, 6-3 in an all-Russian matchup.
Sharapova will play for her third Rome title against Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain, who fought through her nerves and rallied past second-seeded Simona Halep 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.
This is the last big warmup for the French Open, which starts next weekend.