Sharapova puts slams before number one ranking
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-20 20:21

Maria Sharapova rates her triumph at last year's Wimbledon above her recent rise to the top of the rankings.

The Russian teenager reached the top spot for the first time last month but said on Tuesday that she measured success in terms of grand slam titles.

"It's been a good year so far. I reached number one in the world at 18," Sharapova told reporters ahead of this week's China Open.

"But my most successful year was last year because I won my first grand slam at Wimbledon."

Sharapova is bidding for an 11th career singles title in Beijing following a tough three-set defeat by Kim Clijsters in the U.S. Open semi-finals.

"I look forward to the challenge of doing well here," said Sharapova, who lost to Venus Williams in the semi-finals of this year's Wimbledon. "I want to protect my number one ranking."

Both Williams sisters are playing in Beijing this week, with Sharapova seeded to meet Serena in the semi-finals.

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