Djokovic rallies at Rome Masters, adds clay title to resume

Djokovic improved to 8-1 on clay this season and 25-5 overall. At the Monte Carlo Masters last month, Djokovic retired from his semifinal match with Federer due to strep throat.

The Serb had no health problems this week, although other players did.

Both Djokovic and Wawrinka advanced to the final when their semifinal opponents retired. First, Andy Roddick pulled out with a back problem against Wawrinka, then Stepanek quit with apparent heat stroke against Djokovic.

Djokovic's quarterfinal opponent, Nicolas Almagro, also withdrew with a wrist problem.

Djokovic did not face a seeded player all week, registering wins against Steve Darcis and Igor Andreev in his opening two matches.

Despite the loss, Wawrinka will move to 10th when the new rankings come out Monday. With Federer, it will mark the first time two Swiss players have been in the top 10.