Rome next for Djokovic

Novak Djokovic heads for Rome this week crediting an unscheduled pause in his claycourt season with helping him clinch a record 29th Masters title.

The world number one defeated long-time rival Andy Murray 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 on Sunday to win the Madrid Masters for a second time.

Djokovic, 28, was forced to rest after losing his first clay outing of the season, going down in Monte Carlo to Czech Jiri Vesely.

But he credited the pause with actually helping his game as he decompressed after winning four early-season titles -- Doha, the Australian Open and Indian Wells and Miami Masters.

"I had an amazing opening four months of the season. The early exit in Monte Carlo happened for a reason -- I needed some time to really recharge my batteries," said Djokovic.

The Serb called his three-week stoppage "more than enough to get some freshness and new breath, on the court and get ready for Madrid.

"I came to Madrid early, got used to the conditions, and played a really fantastic tournament that will definitely serve as a great confidence boost before Rome and of course the French Open, where I want to arrive in the best possible shape."