LONDON, England - Victoria Azarenka will return to World No.1 when the new rankings are released on Monday.

A semifinal run for Azarenka at Wimbledon sees her overtake Maria Sharapova at the top of the rankings after the Russian failed to defend her runner-up points from 12 months ago.

"Every day, I work with my team to become the best player I can possibly be. To be listed among the other players who also reached No.1 is an honor," Azarenka said. "This year has already been the best of my career and I am looking forward to the second half of the season."

After winning her first Grand Slam title at this year's Australian Open, Azarenka, aided by a spectacular 26-match winning streak, held the No.1 ranking for 19 weeks until Sharapova knocked her off top spot with her historic title run at Roland Garros.

"Victoria's 2012 season has been spectacular," WTA Chairman & CEO Stacey Allaster said. "Claiming her maiden Grand Slam title, becoming the first Belarusian to hold the World No.1 ranking, and compiling one of the best win streaks in WTA history.

"Victoria's determination and consistency distinguishes her as one of the elite athletes in our game, and has allowed her to return to the top of the rankings."

Entering Wimbledon, Azarenka was not the only player in with a chance of reaching the summit; Agnieszka Radwanska could have leapfrogged both Azarenka and Sharapova with a title run, however, she came up just short, losing the final to Serena Williams, and moves to No.2 instead.