Wimbledon loss will serve as motivation: Sharapova

The French Open champion's premature exit could cost her the highly-prized top ranking depending on the Wimbledon exploits of world number two Victoria Azarenka and number three Agnieska Radwanska.

Maria Sharapova

"You can only use this loss as motivation. Of course you want to stay at the top as long as you can. Obviously everyone guns for that spot," Sharapova said.

"Once I relax a little bit, I'm sure to use this as great motivation and keep going after the many goals I have."

As she prepares to return home to Florida for a well-earned rest, Sharapova will treasure the memories of that run and use them as inspiration when she returns to action. "I'm really proud of what I've achieved. As tough as it is to sit here after a loss, you always try to take away as many positives as you can," Sharapova said.