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Gauff needed three sets and over two hours to defeat Solana Sierra 5-7 6-0 6-4 in the previous round, and it was a similar story here as she edged into the quarter-finals.

Last year's runner-up in Rome was staring elimination in the face when she went a set and a break down to Jovic, with the teenager applying near-constant pressure to Gauff's serve throughout the opener.

Gauff broke in game one of set two, but Jovic then hit back in games four and eight, giving herself an opportunity to serve for a spot in the last eight.

She brought up match point but could not convert, and Gauff made her third break point of that game count, with another, more routine break at the next attempt forcing a decider. 

The start of the third set was chaotic, as nobody held serve in the first five games. Gauff took three of those breaks, and after finally ending the pattern in a tough sixth game, the two-time grand slam champion broke again to give herself breathing room.

Jovic's return on match point flew long as Gauff served the contest out, and she will face Mirra Andreeva for a place in the semi-finals, after the eighth seed defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets.