Azarenka salutes Sharapova

Victoria Azarenka has revealed her admiration for the manner in which Maria Sharapova has battled back from injury to return to the top of tennis.

Sharapova replaced Azarenka as the women’s world No1 last month after winning the French Open, her first Major since 2008 when she underwent shoulder surgery.

Ahead of her fourth-round Centre Court clash with Ana Ivanovic, the second seed from Belarus said: “It’s definitely inspiring to see Maria do what she did. I think hard work pays off sooner or later, that’s why it’s important to keep at it. I believe you get what you deserve. I’ve been working hard, too. I’m feeling much better on court. I know good things are around the corner.”

Azarenka is aiming for a third successive quarter-final appearance at the All England Club and is the firm favourite against Ivanovic, the 14th seed.

Azarenka (above) went unbeaten for 26 matches at the start of the year, a run not seen in the women’s game since Martina Hingis in 1997 and one that embraced a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.