After being the undisputed Indian number one for long, Sania Mirza is now all set to become Asia’s No 1 tennis star, overtaking Chinese ace Na Li in the WTA rankings.

Controversies, injuries and inconsistent form have threatened to derail Sania Mirza’s career time and again but the Indian star continues to rise nevertheless, touching a new high on Monday by becoming Asia’s No. 1 woman tennis player.

After her third-round appearance at the Australian Open, Sania gained three spots to rise to the 29th position with 931 points to become Asia’s new numero uno player in the latest WTA rankings overtaking Chinese ace Na Li, who dropped to the 32nd position.

Sania, who lost to Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the third round, however, slipped in the doubles rankings, losing five places to drop out of top-20 and be placed 23rd in the latest list.
“I am very happy, I think this is the first time I have become Asian No. 1, so it’s an honour,” Sania Mirza.

She became the first Indian to break into the top-50 of WTA rankings and has notched up some memorable wins over Grand Slam champions like Martina Hingis and top-20 players like Patty Schnyder and Dinara Safina.