BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Feb. 22 that Belarusian player Sabalenka became the WTA doubles world No. 1 in the newly released new world rankings.
This is the first time in her career that Sabalenka has topped the doubles world number one, and she becomes the 44th women's player to win the title.
On Feb. 19, champion Sabalenka of Belarus and Belgium's Mertens celebrated at the award ceremony. Xinhua News Agency
"It's a great honor to be the new WTA World No. 1 in doubles," said Sabalenka, "I want to thank my coach, everyone on the team, and my partner, who are all amazing and without whom I couldn't have achieved this feat. I will always remember this moment."
Sabalenka locked up the doubles world number one after lifting the Australian Open women's doubles title with partner Mertens last week. It was the second Grand Slam women's doubles title for the pair since they teamed up, after they also teamed up to win the 2019 US Open.
