Rome, May 17 (IANS) Russia’s Maria Sharapova rallied to beat Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 in the women’s singles final of Rome Masters at the Foro Italico here on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Sharapova needed two hours and 35 minutes on the red clay to win her 35th career title, reports Efe.

The Russian was two games away from losing the match in the second set, but the 26-year-old Suarez Navarro was unable to hold serve and take it to a tie-breaker.

Sharapova, who also won titles here in 2011 and 2012, is heading into the French Open with a big win on clay under her belt. The Russian star will return to the No.2 spot when the new WTA rankings come out on Monday, while Suarez Navarro will move up to No.8 in the world.

Rome Masters is one of the main tune-up events for the French Open, which gets underway on May 24.