Rain forces Djokovic-Nadal final in Rome to Monday

[May 21, 2012]  ROME (AP) -- 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.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.