Italian Open final now Monday

Updated: May 20, 2012, 3:28 PM ET
Associated Press

ROME -- Novak Djokovic will have to wait until Monday to defend his Italian Open title against Rafael Nadal after the men's final was postponed for a day because of heavy rain.

The match had been scheduled for Sunday afternoon but will now take place midday Monday. Fans jeered the decision after sitting in stands under umbrellas for several hours.

Heavy rain has been falling for most of the afternoon in Rome, and the women's final between Maria Sharapova and Li Na was delayed for two hours earlier in the day. Sharapova went on to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) as the rain persisted.


Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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