Schiavone breaks title drought

Francesca Schiavone has claimed her first WTA title in three years with victory over American Shelby Rogers at the Rio Open.

The former French Open champion dropped the first set against the world No.131, but rallied for a 2-6 6-2 6-2 success.

When you're happy and you know it… #Schiavone pic.twitter.com/IRuTpNO5aN

— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) February 21, 2016

The win marks a change in fortunes for the 35-year-old, who dropped to 132 in the rankings and failed to qualify for last month’s Australian Open.

It was also an encouraging week for Rogers, who had not appeared in the main draw of a WTA event since Quebec last December.

The American looked well placed to continue her run when she broke Schiavone twice in the first set without facing a break point on her own serve.

But the Italian’s experience told as she broke Rogers three times to level the match, before breaking twice more to take the decider in one hour and 47 minutes.

It’s been emotional! A delighted @Schiavone_Fra poses with @RioOpenOficial crown pic.twitter.com/NlT5oAv8KZ

— TennisTV (@TennisTV) February 21, 2016

SPRAY IT @Schiavone_Fra! pic.twitter.com/MeXxvKaVNU

— Jeff Donaldson (@jddtennis) February 21, 2016