Ekaterina Makarova recovered from a set down to beat Kristina Mladenovic 4-6 6-3 6-1 and progress into the third round of the Italian Open this afternoon.

The world number eight made a flying start to the match as she raced into a 3-0 lead, but two dropped service games saw the opener swing in favour of Mladenovic.

The Frenchwoman took full advantage of her only two break points before serving out the set 6-4 to put herself on course for an upset.

Once again Makarova started the set brightly, however, moving into another 3-0 lead courtesy of a break and victory in a mammoth third game, in which she saved three break points.

This time she held on to her serve, however, denying Mladenovic any further break points to take the second 6-3.

For the third set in a row, the world number 53 lost her opening service game, and Makarova was imperious on her own serve before breaking twice more to see out a 6-1 victory in the decider.

The Russian will face either Alexandra Dulgheru or Lucie Safarova in the next round.