Rafael Nadal wins Italian Open for eighth time by holding off Alexander Zverev

Rafael Nadal has defeated Alexander Zverev in three sets to win the Italian Open for an eighth time and return to the top of the men's singles rankings.

The Spaniard was pegged back at one set apiece and had to dig deep in the decider, eventually coming out on top 6-1 1-6 6-3 in Rome.

After losing his opening break of serve, Nadal took the next six games to move in front in a match that would last for a little over two hours in terms of playing time.

Zverev showed great character to recover, however, winning nine of the next 12 games to take the second set with ease and edge in front in the decider.

From two games down, Nadal soon found his rhythm following a rain delay to close out the win, setting himself up nicely ahead of next week's French Open.