ROME – Novak Djokovic held off an upset bid from Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, scrambling to his 10th career title with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory to win the Rome Masters on Sunday.

Wawrinka still completed the best week of his career, rising from 24th to ninth in the world and is now lined up for a seeding at the French Open.

Both Wawrinka and Australian Open winner Djokovic assumed their finals spots after opponents the day before quit injured or ill during semi-finals at the hard-luck event, marred by five injury withdrawals.

Djokovic squeezed to his fourth Masters Series title in a closely- fought struggle two years after handing an Umag clay trophy to the Swiss after quitting their final at 6-6 with his characteristic breathing problems.

Djokovic managed to maintain full health in Rome after stopping in Monte Carlo against Federer to lift his third title of the year after Melbourne and Indian Wells.

[dpa / Expatica]