World No.1 Novak Djokovic is gearing up for the Italian Open 2020. After getting defaulted from the US open 2020, Djokovic issued an apology for his behavior. The Serbian was disqualified from the US Open after he smacked a spare ball which accidentally hit the line judge’s throat.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion headed to Europe without going to the press conference after the outrageous incident. Recently, Djokovic took to Instagram to post a video of him practicing on the clay courts in Rome, preparing for the Italian Open 2020.

“Feels good to be back on clay courts again!” wrote Djokovic, who arrived in Rome after his bid for an 18th Grand Slam ended at the US Open.

Djokovic will renew his rivalry with his arch-nemesis, Rafael Nadal who defeated Novak in the Italian Open final last year. The 2016 French Open champion Djokovic is a four-time Italian Open champion and a five-time runner-up. After equalling Nadal’s record of winning 35 ATP Masters 1000 titles at the Western and Southern Open 2020, Djokovic is eyeing a record-breaking 36th Masters trophy.

On the other side, the nine-time Italian Open champion Rafael Nadal is aiming to complete the ‘La Decima’ or a record of 10 titles at the event. The 12-time French Open champion will play for the first time since winning at Acapulco in February. The Spaniard leads 17-7 against Djokovic in their clay court encounters.

Novak Djokovic en route to the final?

Djokovic will play his opening round against Italian Salvatore Caruso or a qualifier. The reigning Australian Open champion might face No. 5 seed Gael Monfils or No. 10 seed Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals.

The Serbian is likely to face Rafael Nadal in the final. The duo last played in the finals of the ATP Cup this year.