Maria Sharapova beats Ana Ivanovic to win third Stuttgart title

Germany: Maria Sharapova won her third straight Porsche Grand Prix title on Sunday by coming from behind to defeat Ana Ivanovic 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Sharapova won her first tournament of the year and clinched the 30th title of her career. She is now undefeated in 13 consecutive matches on the indoor clay in Stuttgart.

Ivanovic wasted a 3-1 lead in the second set as Sharapova raised her game to stay in the match and finally prevail in a showdown between two former top-ranked players. Ivanovic was seeking her third title of the year.

Ivanovic got off to a flying a start and won the first five games of the match before Sharapova started fighting back.

Sharapova returned late last year after missing four months following shoulder surgery.