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Top 5 Photos 9/21: Djokovic's Rome win breaks records

By Jordaan Sanford

Two champions were crowned on the red clay courts in Rome. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic fought his way back from a double break down in the opening set to top Diego Schwartzman and capture his record-breaking 36th ATP Masters 1000 title. The Serbian has now held the world No. 1 spot for 287 consecutive weeks, surpassing Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks.

On the women's side, Simona Halep managed to shake off the dirt after a nasty fall in the second game of the final. She bageled Kristina Pliskova in the first set and raced to a 2-1 lead in the second when the defending champion retired due to injury. Although it wasn't the greatest ending, the Romanian had an amazing week in Rome.

These are the Top 5 Photos from the final day at the Italian Open.

1

Djokovic has now won 31 of his 32 matches during the 2020 season.

Serbia's Novak Đjoković celebrates winning his match with Argentina's Diego Sebastián Schwartzman during their final match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)
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AP Photos

2

Djokovic and Schwartzman "shake hands" at the net.

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 21: Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Diego Schwartzman of Argentina interact at the net after their men's final match during day eight of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia at Foro Italico on September 21, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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3

Up to a 1,000 spectators were allowed access into the final weekend. All fans wore masks and were scattered throughout the stadium in order to maintain social distancing.

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 21: Fans show their support for Novak Djokovic of Serbia as they observe social distancing during the men's final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Diego Schwartzman of Argentina during day eight of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia at Foro Italico on September 21, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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4

Pliskova after being forced to stop due to an upper leg injury.

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 21: Karolina Pliskova of The Czech Republic receives medical treatment on court in her women's final match against Simona Halep of Romania during day eight of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia at Foro Italico on September 21, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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5

"Finally, after two finals I could win this title," Halep said in her on-court speech. "I love this tournament and I'm really happy that I have this beautiful trophy in my hands now."

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 21: Runner-up Karolina Pliskova of The Czech Republic (L) and winner Simona Halep of Romania (R) pose with their respective trophies after the women's final match during day eight of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia at Foro Italico on September 21, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

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