Ana Ivanovic has booted Madrid Open winner Maria Sharapova out of the Italian Open following a 6-1 6-4 victory in Rome.
The former world number one lost her first service game on the court, but Ivanovic was unable to hold as Sharapova bounced back in the next game.
However, Ivanovic responded by securing another vital break point to take a 3-1 lead, which Sharapova was unable to recover from.
The Russian pro needed to start strongly in the second set, but Ivanovic continued her dominance by sealing a break at the first time of asking.
Sharapova kept her opponent on her toes by immediately breaking back, but Ivanovic eventually secured a crucial break point later in the set, which allowed her to push on and clinch the victory.
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Danielle Joynson
