Ana Ivanovic has reached the semi-finals of the Italian Open courtesy of a 6-3 3-6 6-4 victory over Carla-Suarez Navarro.

Ivanovic started on the front foot by securing a break point at the first time of asking, but Navarro managed to bounce back instantly with a break of her own.

The Spaniard took control of the court after saving three break points to hold and then secure a break against Ivanovic to take a 3-2 lead.

However, her dominance didn't last for long as Ivanovic grabbed two breaks of serve to push on and take the one-set lead on the clay surface.

After losing the opener, Navarro came out of the blocks in the second half by nabbing an early double break, but Ivanovic stayed in contention by bouncing back with a break point.

Both players had chances to take the advantage, but the opportunity eventually fell to Navarro, who secured the break point to win the set and force the match into a third and deciding set.

It was a tight affair as games went by the way of serve until Ivanovic earned a crucial break, which allowed her to serve out the match.