Urszula Radwanska has knocked 15th seed Ana Ivanovic out of the Rome Masters in the third round courtesy of a battling 6-3 2-6 6-2 victory.

Both competitors were evenly matched in the first few exchanges of the first set, but it was Radwanska who was able to snatch a crucial break of serve to sway the momentum in her favour.

After wrapping up the first set, Radwanska was unable to maintain her dominance as she could only get two games on the board, while Ivanovic managed to find her rhythm with swift movement across the court and solid returns.

After drawing level on sets, it was all to play for in the third and final set as Radwanska grabbed the first break point to give herself a 3-1 advantage.

While Ivanovic pushed the last few games to the wire, it wasn't to be as Radwanska booked a place in the second round of the competition.