World number one Novak Djokovic booked his place in the final of the Italian Open with victory over Casper Ruud.

The Serbian, who has won the clay-court tournament four times, claimed a 7-5 6-3 victory over the Norwegian, who is ranked 34 in the world.

A maximum of 1,000 people was allowed in the stands for the first time this week to watch the action.

Djokovic who is 33-years-old 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 a record 36th Masters title.

[Source: BBC]