Maria Sharapova dismisses Gilles Simon's prize money issue

World number one Maria Sharapova has hit back at Gilles Simon after the Frenchman insisted that female tennis players should not be awarded the same amount of prize money as the men at Grand Slams.

The issue has been debated for years, with some believing that the male competitors deserve more pay as they are forced to play five sets at times, while the most women can play is three.

"No matter what anyone says, or the criticisms that we get, despite everything else, I'm sure there are a few more people that watch my matches than his," said Sharapova.

The Russian professional secured a place in the third round at Wimbledon today, while Simon crashed out to Xavier Malisse.