PTI

New Delhi, Jan 28: 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 number one 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.

She had teamed up with Australian Alicia Molik in the Australian Open and the duo had been knocked out in the third round.

Becoming the Asian number one is yet another remarkable achievement for the 21-year-old Hyderabadi, who has been India's lone flag-bearer in women's tennis after a breakthrough season in 2005.