Sania Mirza is Asian No.1 in women's tennis

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 top20 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 anoth er remarkable achievement for the 21-year-old Hyderabad lass, who has been India's lone flagbearer in women's tennis after a breakthrough season in 2005.

"I am very happy, I think this is the first time I have become Asian number one, so it's an honor," Sania said.

She became the first Indian to break into the top 50 of WTA rankings and has notched up some memorable wins over Grand Slam champions like Martina Hingis and top 20 players like Patty Schnyder and Dinara Safina.

However, the glamorous star has had to deal with heightened expectations and one controversy after another ever since her rise to prominence.

Her on court attire, her views on pre marital sex and numerous other petty issues have raised the heckles of Islamic fundamentalists who have never wasted time in issuing one fatwa after another against her.

Injuries have also hampered her and she continues to play with minor niggles but all this has not affected her performance.

A WTA title eludes her and the best she has done at a Grand Slam is reaching the fourth round of US Open, but her fighting spirit and determination have won hearts wherever she has played.

"I'm 21 and I'm trying to be the best I can be," a bit upset but resolute Sania had said after off court furores forced her to think of quitting the game altogether a few weeks ago.