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Top 5 Photos, 5/17: Rafa rules in Rome; Swiatek soars

What a weekend full of the most surprising and fascinating tennis on the red clay courts at the Foro Italico in Rome. First-time champions were crowned along with seasoned winners, and the action gave fans a preview of what's to come on the terre battue at Roland Garros.

These are the Top 5 photos from this past weekend at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. (All Getty Images)

N. Djokovic: Final Loss

1

Rafael Nadal

If it weren't already clear, Rafa rules in Rome. The Spaniard claimed an astonishing 10th tournament title by taking out Novak Djokovic in the final. The 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 victory tied Djokovic for most ATP 1000 titles at 36. What more is there to say, we are running out of words to describe the 20-time major champion.

ROME, ITALY - MAY 16: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate winning match point over Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the men's final at Foro Italico on May 16, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

2

The Old Guys Are Still Not Giving Up

Djokovic revealed in the post-match presser that he and Nadal had quite the laugh in the locker room after the Serb edged past Stefanos Tsitsipas in the event's quarterfinal.

"The old guys are still not giving up, you know. I saw that he said a few days ago that Roger, him and I are old but I disagree with him.," Djokovic said laughingly. "I think we are showing some different, fresh energy!"

ROME, ITALY - MAY 16: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning the final over Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the men's final at Foro Italico on May 16, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

3

Iga Swiatek

The 19-year-old is a force to be reckoned with on the red clay, once again lifting another title on the dirt. Swiatek posted a dominating 6-0, 6-0 score over Karolina Pliskova to lift her very first WTA 1000 trophy. The victory has bumped her into the Top 10 for the first time in her young career, earning a career-high ranking of No. 9.

ROME, ITALY - MAY 16: Iga Swiatek of Poland poses with the winners trophy after defeating Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic 6-0 6-0 in the women's final at Foro Italico on May 16, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

4

Pliskova Has No Answers

This was the final that no one saw coming. Pliskova is one of the strongest competitors at this particular event, having won the event in 2019 and reached the championship match three years in a row. On Sunday, however, Pliskova could not stay in the long rallies and seemed to be lethargic. After just 46 minutes of play, Swiatek sealed the deal in jaw-dropping fashion.

ROME, ITALY - MAY 16: Iga Swiatek of Poland celebrates winning the match over Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic during the women's final at Foro Italico on May 16, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

5

Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic

The Croatian duo are having one heck of a year. Mektic and Pavic equaled a feat of the legendary Bryan Brothers by reaching their fourth straight Masters final to start the year. Now, Rome's No. 2 seeds claimed the title by taking out Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram. This marks their sixth title of 2021.

ROME, ITALY - MAY 16: Mate Pavic of Croatia and Nikola Mektic of Croatia celebrate victory in the men's doubles final against Rajeev Ram of the USA and Joe Salisbury of Great Britain at Foro Italico on May 16, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images