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Reigning Italian Open champion Jasmine Paolini has suffered a shock third-round defeat, bringing her title defence to an end. The No. 9 seed had three match points against Elise Mertens in the second set, but Mertens stormed back to claim a 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3 victory, breaking Italian hearts. She immediately apologised to the Campo Centrale crowd after the match.

Paolini is now expected to drop outside of the world's top 10 for the first time in almost two years, ending her 100-week consecutive run in the world's elite group. Twelve months ago, the Italian star did the double at her home tournament, beating Coco Gauff to win the singles title and then teaming up with Sara Errani to lift the trophy in doubles.

But the 30-year-old managed to win just one match this year before she was sent packing. Paolini had come from an early break down to take the first set over Mertens, and led 4-2 in the second set after a series of breaks.

No. 21 seed Mertens levelled the score again, then was forced to save three match points while serving to stay in it at 5-6 in the second set. She successfully forced a tiebreak, winning it to take the match to a decider. It was another rollercoaster set - they traded breaks, but Mertens broke again to lead 4-2. And she fended off a break point to extend her lead.

The Belgian tennis star needed two match points to get the job done, but took it when Paolini sent a ball outside of the tramlines, and looked emotional as she pumped her fist. And Mertens knew the Rome fans would be gutted to see their own champion lose.

"First of all, she's an incredible player. I know it's tough, I also kept on fighting, it was really a battle, it could go either way. So I'm sorry that I won against the Italian favourite, but I'm also very happy with the win, of course," the world No. 22 immediately told the crowd.

Reflecting on the three match points she saved, Mertens added: "I don't know. I just tried to not think too much, tried to give everything I had, and of course she was playing amazing. Just for it and see where it goes. Mentally, I was prepared to go three sets, because I know she is a good player, she can defend a lot. But very happy about the fighting spirit.

"It's an amazing atmosphere. I know you are all cheering for Paolini, a few were cheering for me too! No matter what, I really love the atmosphere, I love to be here, and Rome is a very beautiful city."

This is the first time Mertens has won back-to-back matches on the tour since February, when she beat Marie Bouzkova and Emma Navarro to reach the last 16 in Dubai, only to lose to Gauff.

The 21st seed applauded Paolini off the court as last year's champion walked off Campo Centrale after a two-hour and 41-minute battle, her title defence over. Paolini and Errani will now attempt to retain their doubles title, and they face fellow Italian duo Vittoria Paganetti and Gaia Maduzzi in the first round.

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