NOVAK Djokovic has claimed a record-breaking 36th ATP Masters 1000 crown, defeating Argentinian Diego Schwartzman at Rome in straight sets, 7-5 6-3 in an hour and 53 minutes. The Serbian was level with world number two Rafael Nadal on 35 titles a piece, but has now gone outright top with his fifth Rome Masters title.

The world number one moved to a remarkable 31 wins of 32 matches, claiming four titles from five events, and could well have made a perfect start had it not being for his ejection from the US Open. In the match, Djokovic was too strong and powerful off his serve, winning 69 per cent of his first serve points and 41 per cent of his second serve points compared to Schwartzman’s 58 and 35 per cent. He broke five times to three and did enough to secure the match with an extra break in each set to take out the match and claim the record.

“It was a great week,” Djokovic said post-match. “A very challenging week. “I don’t think I played my best tennis throughout the entire week, but I think I found my best tennis when I needed it the most in the decisive moments today, yesterday [and in] practically every match.

“That definitely makes me very satisfied and proud that I managed to find that fifth gear when it was most needed. “Turning to Paris, I couldn’t ask for a better tournament here in Rome. “Another big title and [I am] super pleased with it.”

Twelve months ago, Djokovic defeated Schwartzman in the semi-finals and is now five wins from as many games against the Argentinian. The Serbian praised his opponent’s tournament, claiming scalps against Rafael Nadal and Denis Shapovalov.

“[Diego] played well in heavy conditions, especially at the beginning… He played many long matches,” Djokovic said. “He had fantastic wins against Nadal and Shapovalov last night, so credit to him for a phenomenal tournament and I wish him all the best in the rest of the season.”.

The win also moved Djokovic into number two as the most weeks as world number one, surpassing Pete Sampras by entering his 287th week as the world’s top player, second only to Roger Federer (310). Schwartzman narrowly missed out on entering the top 10 for the first time, with Shapovalov claiming that feat. The Argentinian moved up two spots to number 13 in the world ahead of Roland Garros after the Rome runner-up opted to forgo the Hamburg European Open to rest up ahead of Paris.