Eugenie Bouchard has claimed that it will be crucial for her to trust her own game plan when she takes on Maria Sharapova in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

The Canadian was forced to come from behind to beat Irina-Camelia Begu in the fourth round, and she is certain that the best way to beat Sharapova will be to play aggressively against the second seed.

"I think it's always great to play the best players in the world. We've had a couple matches, and a good match last year," Bouchard said when reflecting on her loss to the Russian in the semi-finals of last year's French Open.

"You know, I think I was close. It was just a tough battle. But I think I've progressed a lot since then, and, you know, I definitely want to keep playing my game no matter what. Really kind of take it to her, go for my shots."

Bouchard reached the semi-finals in three of last year's four Grand Slams, including the 2014 Australian Open.