Maria Sharapova secured the biggest clay-court title of her career by winning the Rome Masters with a straight-sets victory over Samantha Stosur on Sunday afternoon.
After a three-hour delay due to rain in Rome, Sharapova proved too powerful from the back of the court as she won 6-2, 6-4 against last year's French Open finalist.
Stosur's serve was broken five times in all as she suffered an eighth career defeat against the Russian former world No1. The Australian has yet to beat Sharapova.
"I'm so happy to be the champion," said Sharapova, who recorded her 23rd title. "It means so much to me to add this title to the ones I already have. Rome is such a special place and I've dreamed of holding up this trophy.
"There are a lot of tournaments coming up, and this is a great start to everything. I can't wait to be back next year."
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