World number one Novak Djokovic won a record 36th masters title by beating Diego Schwartzman in the Italian open.

The Serb won 7-5 6-3 in the final to ensure he goes into next week's French open on a high.

It was his first tournament since being disqualified from this month's us open.

Djokovic drew level with Rafael Nadal last month on the all-time list of masters winners with his western & southern open title.

Watched by a crowd of about 1,000 socially distanced fans, Djokovic got off to a poor start against argentine eighth seed Schwartzman, finding himself two breaks down at 3-0 as the rain fell in Rome.

It is Djokovic's 81st career title and fourth of the year and sends him to Roland Garros with a spring in his step.