Maria Sharapova comes through third-round test to reach Italian Open quarters

Maria Sharapova has overcome a third-round test posed by Bojana Jovanovski to seal a 6-3 6-3 victory and reach the quarter-finals of the Italian Open.

It was a poor start for the former world number one as she lost serve and failed to bounce back instantly as Jovanovski saved three break points.

Sharapova eventually found her feet by grabbing a double break and after taking a one-set lead, the Russian broke Jovanovski at the first time of asking in the second set.

The players struggled midway through the set as they both lost serve twice, but Sharapova was able to seal the vital break point to wrap up the contest.