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Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza created history by becoming the first female tennis player from the country to achieve the World No 1 ranking in doubles.
Sania Mirza seals historic World No 1 rank
She bagged the top ranking after winning the title at the WTA Family Circle Cup with Swiss partner Martina Hingis in Charleston.
"Charleston will always be special to me. Martina has been a big help,” said the new World No 1 in women’s doubles.
Before Sania, only Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhuapthi had achieved the top rank when they dominated men's doubles circuit in the 1990s.
“I'm so excited to help Sania reach No 1. It's amazing," said Hingis.
Sania is also first female player from the country to win Grand Slam tournaments.
Not even a year ago, Sania had expressed the desire to be World No 1.
I would like to be number one before I retire: Sania Mirza
She said she did not opt tennis as her career for money or fame, but because it was her passion. Sania said she had to face a lot of criticism when she started her career and overcame successfully.