Number three seed Maria Sharapova reckons the efforts of her Russian countrymen at the European Championships can inspire her to a similar run at Wimbledon.
The 21-year-old former champion eased past Stephanie Foretz of France 6-1 6-2 on Court One today to take a place in the second round at SW19.
Russia beat Holland 3-1 after extra-time at the weekened to land a semi-final berth against Spain on Thursday.
And Sharapova, sporting a dazzling white tuxedo-style outfit to open her campaign, believes her country's strong work ethic can help her match the football team's achievements.
"It motivates me on a different level. I'm so proud they got through," she said.
"We're brave. We're strong. We work hard at what we do. Good things happen."
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