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Doha: Serena Williams showed tennis was not just the domain of teenagers as she climbed back to the top of the world rankings on Friday, becoming the oldest female to hold the coveted position at the age of 31.
The American is world No. 1 for the sixth time in her storied career after finishing off former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 3-6 6-3 7-5 with a thumping ace in the quarter final of the Qatar Open.
Williams will meet Russian Maria Sharapova, who had also been in hot pursuit of the No. 1 ranking this week, in a lip-smacking semi-final on Saturday. “I’m so sensitive nowadays, I’m always crying! I’ve just been through so much and never thought I’d be here again,” Williams said.
At 31 years, four months and 24 days, she will be the oldest woman in the top spot since computer rankings began in 1975. Williams eclipses fellow American Chris Evert, who was 30 years, 11 months and three days when she last held the ranking in 1985. (Reuters)
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