Tennis fans had to wait another day to watch the highly anticipated final of the 2012 Italian Open between world Nos. 1 and 3, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, but they'll get their chance Monday. Rain postponed the final, during which Djokovic will attempt to defend the title he took from Nadal last year and Nadal tries to overtake Federer for the No. 2 ranking. Federer leapfrogged Nadal in the standings after winning the Madrid Open last week, but if Nadal wins his sixth title in Rome, he'll retake the spot behind the Djoker.
The Italian Open is the final tuneup before the French Open kicks off at Roland Garros next week, where Nadal and Djokovic are expected to meet in the finals yet again. No one has played better tennis than Djokovic since the end of 2010, but Nadal just happens to be the finest clay court player the sport has ever seen. The Italian Open final should be the perfect way for tennis fans to try to get a preview of what could happen after the fortnight in France.
Game Date/Time: Monday, May 21, 6 a.m. ET
Location: Rome, Italy
TV: ESPN3
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