Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic: Updates on Rome Masters 2012 Final

Once again Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are facing off in the finals and its the third time of the 2012 season. Here, we the the two face-off in the Italian Open Final but according to the tournament website the match has been delayed.

Monday Weather Forecast

Although the match between Nadal and Djokovic has been postponed to Monday, May 21. It would be quite surprising if the contest took place then.

This hourly forecast, according to weather.com powered by the Weather Channel, has it raining basically all day in Rome, Italy on Monday. 

You can also view a weather-in-motion map that provides current updates within a 27-hour time-frame.

To that end, don't be disappointed if the match gets postponed once again.

UPDATE 2:42 EST

According to Steph Trudel of Masters 1000's and the tournament website the match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has been postponed to Monday:

"

OFFICIAL:DJOKOVIC v NADAL FINAL tomorrow at 12h00

— Steph Trudel (@TrudelSteph) May 20, 2012"

On a brighter note, the fans reacted in a rather humorous manner.

To that end, here's to hoping the weather holds off tomorrow and both competitors still bring their A-game in the battle for much needed momentum heading into the French Open.

UPDATE 2:22 EST

Tournament website now saying the match is closer to beginning. Let's hope it stands this time as the rain hasn't been too nice as we await another Nadal vs. Djokovic duel. And the anticipation grows.

UPDATE 1:40 EST

Tournament website is back to a regular rain delay. The anxiety awaiting this match is growing.

UPDATE 1:34 EST

It appears we are getting near the opening serve. According to the tournament website, the match is expected to begin sooner than later.

For the sake of this epic matchup in a non-grand slam tournament, let's hope we see Nadal vs. Djokovic soon because the French Open's No. 1 seed is on the line.

Djokovic took the Australian Open to open the new year but Nadal avenged himself in Monaco last month. With the French Open on the horizon, the Italian Open winner gains the slight upper-hand heading in.

Clay court success pertains more so to Rafael Nadal as he's been more dominant on it than anyone, but Novak Djokovic has endured his fair share as well.

With six French Open victories in the last seven years (won previous two), Nadal has done well on clay again. He won in Monaco and then Barcelona, but was upset in Madrid for his first three clay competitions of the year.

Djokovic on the other hand, lost to Nadal in Monaco and was also upset in Madrid. Still, Novak made a strong response in Italy as he defeated Roger Federer earlier in the tournament.

All that said, check back often for updates on the match between two of the best men's tennis has to offer.

John Rozum on Twitter.