Djokovic - Nadal final postponed due to heavy rain

Heavy rain in the Italian capital forced Sunday's eagerly anticipated Rome Masters final between defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to be postponed until Monday.

Rain had started falling during the women's final between Maria Sharapova and Li Na earlier in the day, causing that match to be delayed for over two hours.

It did relent sufficiently to allow Sharapova to return and record a 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5) win, defending her title in the process, but officials decided to call off the men's showpiece after a further downpour.

"The conditions for play are not suitable. The final is postponed until Monday at 1500 (1300GMT)," said tournament director Sergio Palmieri.