Winning Slams bigger than No.1 tag: Sharapova

The more consistent you are and the better results that you have and the more wins that youre able to get,the better chances you have of getting that spot.

Is it something that all of us want? Absolutely. Its a no-brainer question. But I think at this point in my career,titles and Grand Slams are just a bigger priority.

Four-times Grand Slam Sharapova is well accustomed to the allure of being viewed as the games best player,having become the fifth youngest woman to reach the top of the world rankings,at the age of 18 in 2005. For her to regain that top spot,however,she will have to overhaul American Serena Williams who,when fully fit and on her game,is virtually unbeatable in womens tennis.

Serena was very dominant last year, Sharapova said of Williams,who won Wimbledon,Olympic gold and the US Open as she piled up seven titles in a dazzling 2012 campaign. She played tremendous,confident tennis. Shes also very strong and very athletic,so you need to be consistent with her. Shes also a great frontrunner. Youre down a little bit and she goes with it. Shes a confidence player.

When it comes to head-to-heads between Sharapova and Williams,it is virtually no-contest. The Russian has won only twice in their 13 career meetings with her most recent victory dating back nine years to the Tour Championship in Los Angeles.

Sharapova has been beaten in straight sets by Williams in their last six matches.

MUSICAL CHAIRS

In the eyes of many,the battle for top spot in the womens game could come down to a seemingly never-ending game of musical chairs between Williams,Sharapova and third-ranked Victoria Azarenka of Belarus,the reigning Australian Open champion.

Serena is the most dangerous and she is the favourite at this point when she goes into tournaments because she has the most weapons, former world number one Tracy Austin said.

Shes an extraordinary athlete and I think because she has had some time off in her career,for extended periods where she was either injured or just away from the game,she still has the hunger.

Asked whether anyone could get close to Williams when the American was in prime form,Austin replied: Azarenka gave her a good show at the US Open last year,losing 6-2 2-6 7-5 in the final.

Then we thought Serena was on her game at the Australian Open in January and she lost to Sloane Stephens in the quarter-finals. So its certainly possible.

Austin,who at 16 became the youngest US Open champion in 1979 before claiming a second US crown in 1981,regards Azarenka and Sharapova as the likeliest challengers to Williams for top spot.