Rafael Nadal took full advantage of a weather delay to beat defending champion Alexander Zverev in a rollercoaster final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome.

Nadal was a break down in the decider when rain forced a second stoppage of the match, with Zverev having won nine of the previous 12 games.

After losing his opening break of serve, Nadal took the next six games to move in front in a match that would last for a little over two hours in terms of playing time.

Zverev showed great character to recover, however, winning nine of the next 12 games to take the second set with ease and edge in front in the decider.

From two games down, the Spaniard soon found his rhythm following a rain delay to close out the win, setting himself up nicely ahead of next week’s French Open.