Rafael Nadal defeated the defending champion Novak Djokovic in the final, 7–5, 1–6, 6–3 to win the men's singles tennis title at the 2021 Italian Open.[1] It was his record-extending tenth Italian Open title and record-equaling 36th Masters 1000 title overall (matching Djokovic's tally). Nadal saved two match points en route to the title, in his third round match against Denis Shapovalov.[2] This marked the fourth tournament that Nadal had won on 10 or more occasions (in addition to the French Open, the Monte-Carlo Masters, and the Barcelona Open), making him the only tennis player to do so.[3]
It was Djokovic's sixth runners-up finish at the Italian Open, a record for the most runners-up finishes at one event on the ATP Tour. (Djokovic equaled this record later that year at the US Open, while attempting to complete the Grand Slam).[4]
^Points earned from 2019 and 2020 tournaments will be dropped depending on the best result during those periods. Only 2020 points will be dropped by 50%, including their 2020 points whichever is greater. 2019 points which are higher will still be dropped as normal.
Other entrants
The following players received wild cards into the main singles draw: