Maria Sharapova defended her Italian Open title Sunday, beating Li Na 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in a wild match in which play was twice interrupted by rain and the red clay turned to mud.

"The match was a joke," Li said. "It's tough to play in such heavy rain and then you go and rest for two hours and then play again in heavy rain. ... But I still have positive things to take away. She was just stronger and tougher."

Eighth seed Li looked well on course for her first tour title since last year's historic win at Roland Garros as she surged to a 6-4, 4-0 lead, but 24 unforced errors from the French Open champion allowed Sharapova to take the next six games and the set.

However, there was to be another twist, as Li fought back from 4-1 down to force the third-set tie break.

However, that was delayed by the rain, but when the players did return, it was Sharapova that prevailed.

"It was a crazy match," said Sharapova. "Either one of us could have won it. There really is no loser."