STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Venus Williams offically moved to the top of the WTA's computer rankings on Monday.
With 4,790 points, Williams owns a six-point lead over fellow
American Jennifer Capriati. She became the 10th woman to be
ranked No. 1 in the history of the computer rankings.
Williams lost in the semifinals of the Dubai Women's Open on Friday. But the 21-year-old knew she had rise to the top spot
for the first time with Capriati remaining idle since her
dramatic victory over Martina Hingis in the Australian Open
final.
"It's just been great getting there, but it's another thing
staying there," said Williams, who is the first
African-American, man or woman, to be ranked No. 1 "So I just
have to be dedicated and, more than anything, keep enjoying the
game. Because at any point it becomes a burden -- at least to me -- that's when it's a problem."
After winning her final three events last year, Williams
continued her impressive form in 2002. She won three of her
first four tournaments, capturing the Gold Coast, Paris Indoor
and Antwerp titles.
Williams' lone defeat prior to last week came at the Australian Open, where she had a 22-match winning streak come to an end with a quarterfinal loss to Monica Seles.
When not battling various injuries or attending fashion school, the 6-1 Williams has dominated the tour, especially with her powerful serve. She has won 24 titles since 1998, including the last two Wimbledons and U.S. Opens.
However, the California native has been the subject of frequent criticism due to her lengthy absences from tournament play. Williams competed in just 12 events last year, though she won six.
By contrast, compatriot and former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport missed 2 1/2 months of the 2001 campaign with a knee injury but still managed to take part in 17 tournaments.
"I think the best part is that I've enjoyed myself along the way and that I have not limited myself just to playing tennis or made myself believe that that's the only thing in life,"
Williams said. "I've always been doing things at the same time
and having a career. For me, that's the best part."
But controversy has followed Williams and her sister Serena.
They were the subjects of particularly pointed criticism during the 2001 Tennis Masters Series event at Indian Wells.
Poised to face her sister in the semifinals, Venus Williams
withdrew due to tendinitis in her right knee. But the Indian
Wells crowd did not believe it, jeering Serena in the final and
their coach-father, Richard.
Richard Williams predicted that his daughters would eventually
take over the top spot in the rankings.
