Russian world No. 3 Daniil Medvedev beat Holger Rune 7-5, 7-5 to win the Italian Open on Sunday, his first trophy in a clay court tournament and a major boost ahead of the French Open.

Medvedev's fifth title of a stellar season and 20th overall leaves him as one of the top contenders for Roland Garros which begins on May 28. 

Rune, 20, the youngest finalist at the Foro Italico since Spaniard Rafael Nadal 17 years ago, broke to love in the first game of the second set and pounced again for a 4-3 lead after Medvedev hit back to level the scores. 

But the aggressive world No.7 appeared to run out of steam late in a physically demanding spell to hand the advantage back to Medvedev, who produced a tight hold thanks to two huge serves before closing out the victory in style.

"I didn't think I could win a Masters 1000 on clay in my career because usually I hated it, I hated playing on it. I didn't feel good on it and nothing was working," said Medvedev, who knocked out 2017 champion Alexander Zverev and 2022 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas on his way to the final. 

"I am really happy I managed to do it and to prove to myself and everyone else that I am capable of doing it," he added. 

The 27-year-old, who was out of the top 10 in February, is set to climb to No.2 in the world and will take the second seeding behind Carlos Alcaraz in Paris, with Novak Djokovic dropping down to No.3.

Meanwhile, Scot Andy Murray is the latest star player to withdraw from the French Open. Earlier, holder Rafa Nadal, who has won a record 14 times at Roland Garros, pulled out of the event after failing to regain full fitness from a hip injury.

Australian Nick Kyrgios and Matteo Berrettini of Italy will also miss the tournament.

(With input from agencies)