1. Ana Ivanovic - SRB
2. Maria Sharapova - RUS
3. Jelena Jankovic - SRB
4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - RUS
5. Elena Dementieva - RUS

Maria Sharapova	7	6	2
Dinara Safina	6	7	6

Maria Sharapova to take over No. 1 ranking

May 15th, 2008

7 Comments

Posted by: Senia

Maria Sharapova will assume the No. 1 ranking in tennis because of Justine Henin's retirement.

The 25-year-old Henin, who retired Wednesday, asked to be removed from the rankings, the WTA Tour said Thursday. Sharapova will automatically become No. 1 when the next rankings are released Monday.

It will mark the fourth time the Russian has held the top ranking. She has been No. 1 for a total of 14 weeks in her career, the last in 2007.

"The ranking has never been a big deal for me," Sharapova said Wednesday after defeating Dominika Cibulkova in the second round of the Italian Open. "Whether I'm No. 1 or 5, my main goal is just to keep winning tennis matches and the ranking will take care of itself if I keep winning."

Henin, winner of seven Grand Slam titles, is the first woman to retire while holding the No. 1 ranking. This is the Belgian's 117th nonconsecutive week in the top spot, the sixth-longest reign at No. 1 since the computer rankings began in 1975.

After an injury-plagued 2007, Sharapova started 2008 by winning the Australian Open for her third Grand Slam title. She was 24-2 this year.

alexandre sarmento May 15, 2008 at 20:50

I need you , love you , cry for you

Wester C. P. de Moraes May 16, 2008 at 02:21

Masha,
Eventhough your focus is on winning matches, being number one is a well deserved ranking!!! Congrats!!!!!!!!
Love,
Wester

boy May 16, 2008 at 11:34

though it's not good way to get that ranking but you played good lately and we will see whether you cope that pressure being #1 again, I see Serena and Venus are your main rivals in game now, so don't be afraid and go for it, be ready, I think there are a lot of opportunities for you this year but how you'll take them we will see Wish you best luck and be healthy!!! You're the #1 next week

therine May 16, 2008 at 12:30

You deserved to be # 1
i know that you do well in playing,i know that your main goal right now is to win ROLAND GARROSS.......

Jolka May 16, 2008 at 15:48

MASHA IS THE BEST
No 1

MARIJA MACEDONIA May 16, 2008 at 21:19

MASHA YOU WIL BE NUMBER 1 IN THE WOLRLD BICAUSE YOU ARE THE MOST BEAOTIFUL AND BEST TENNIS PLAYER

kai1893 May 18, 2008 at 15:20

Congratulations Masha ! You are now the best Player in the World ! I hope for a long time...........