Safina to replace Serena as World No. 1

Paris:

Russia's Dinara Safina will depose Serena Williams as world number one, despite never having won a Grand Slam title, in the latest WTA ranking.

The 22-year-old Safina, whose brother Marat was the men's top player in the world in 2000, will replace Williams who has been on top for 11 consecutive weeks and 72 in all on April 20.

"It's a great honour to reach the No 1 ranking and it is a dream that every girl who has ever wanted to play professional tennis shares," said Safina, the runner-up to Williams at the Australian Open this year.

"It is even extra special for me since my brother Marat was able to reach the No 1 ranking and I am happy to share this achievement with him.

"There's no question that while I am very proud of my results over the past year, I would have liked to reach this achievement in a different manner. I hope to prove to everyone over the coming months that I merit the honour of being World No 1."

Safina is only the second Russian woman, along with Maria Sharapova, to hold the top spot.

Her elevation was announced just after Williams suffered a shock 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 first-round defeat against world number 95 Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic in Marbella.