'It's a feeling that's extremely proud': Sania Mirza

Tennis ace Sania Mirza, who created history by becoming the first female tennis player from India to achieve the world number one rank in doubles following her stupendous title win at the WTA Family Circle Cup with partner Martina Hingis, said it was an honour for her to be able to achieve that feat.

"I think not just the family, the whole country dreams of number one in the world in any sport that we play. I feel it's really a privilege and honour to be the first woman from this country to be able to achieve that. Like I said, it's a feeling that's extremely proud," said Sania.

Meanwhile, her father Imran Mirza said it is a big achievement, adding that his daughter has the potential to go beyond the limits.

"I was trying to underplay the whole thing because it was never easy. However, much you may try to forget the fact that you are going to be number one in the world in any field. I know for a fact that she didn't sleep very well the night before, even though she rarely gets nervous or rarely gets excited but that was one night when I thought that she could not sleep that well," Imran Mirza said

"Definitely it's on the mind and now it's one thing off her back and I think she will probably flower into a better player," he added.

It is Sania's third successive title win with Hingis and they have not lost as a single match since joining forces in March.

Before Sania, only Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhuapthi had achieved the top rank when they dominated the men's doubles circuit in the last 90s.