Novak Djokovic recovered from a slow start to beat Casper Ruud 7-5 6-3 in the Italian Open semi-finals and move within touching distance of another record.
The Serbian has claimed 35 ATP Masters 1000 titles and will go one ahead of Rafael Nadal if he triumphs in Monday’s finale in Rome.
A maximum of 1,000 people were allowed in the stands for the first time this week to watch Sunday’s action.
33-year-old Djokovic will play either Diego Schwartzman, who knocked out Rafael Nadal, or Denis Shapovalov.
The tournament is Djokovic’s first since his US Open disqualification and victory would be his record 36th Masters title.
“I don’t take anything for granted, even after 15 years on the tour, I still enjoy it,” he said.
“I still have a hunger for the titles and putting myself in a position to fight for the title is exactly where I want to be.”
