Novak Djokovic labelled a 'sore loser' over row with umpire during Rome defeat to Andy Murray

The world number one was furious the game was allowed to continue in the wet conditions

A furious Novak Djokovic berated the umpire during his Rome Masters final defeat to Andy Murray.

The Serb, who lost 6-3 6-3 was apoplectic that the match was not halted due to the rain in the Italian capital.

With Murray just two games from victory, Djokovic took umpire Damian Steiner to task over the conditions, telling the official: "I don't want to play anymore". Earlier in the second set the world number one threw his racket in anger.

Steiner refused to budge though and the game continued.

Those watching at home labelled Djokovic a sore loser for his antics...

Djokovic was perhaps upset with Murray getting the better of him, having dominated the Scot in recent years. It was just his second defeat to the Briton in 14 meetings since the 2013 Wimbledon final.

However, after the match Djokovic insisted that the fact he was losing the match played no part in his complaint.

“We can laugh about it now but it’s not just a matter of whether or not you’re going to play better, win or lose. It’s a matter of keeping yourself healthy.

“Conditions like we had today... the risk for an injury is much higher than it [should] be. Behind the baseline especially, where we move the most, was heavy, muddy, very, very wet.”

However he conceded he had become emotional during the game.

“These kind of matches are important for both players,” he said. “There is a lot at stake. When you play a rival, and of course you want to win, sometimes you get too emotional.

“I threw a racket, it bounced over the fence and I got a warning instantly. So the chair umpire was on fire today. He really wanted to show his authority to me. So congratulations to him.”

Murray, who was celebrating his 29th birthday on Sunday, will move back up to second in the updated rankings as the world's top players head into the French Open which begins next week.