Safina set to be on top of the world

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:24

The 22-year-old will take top spot for the first time in her career when she replaces Serena Williams on April 20.

Williams, who held the number one spot for 11 weeks, lost on Wednesday in the first round of the Andalucia Tennis Experience in Marbella.

“It’s a great honour to reach the number one ranking and it is a dream that every girl who has ever wanted to play professional tennis shares,” Safina said.

Safina is only the second Russian woman, after Maria Sharapova, to hold top spot, while she and her brother Marat Safin are the first brother and sister duo to have both held the ranking.

“It is even extra special for me since my brother Marat was able to reach the number one ranking and I am happy to share this achievement with him,” added Safina.

“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 number one.”

Safina went out in the third round of the Sony Ericsson Open last week.

But she won four singles’ titles over the past year, as well as reaching the final of the Australian and French Opens.

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