Sania Mirza drops to 40th in WTA rankings

Sania Mirza has dropped three spots to 40th in the latest WTA rankings issued on Monday.

The Indian ace, who left to participate in the Federation Cup Asia-Oceania zonal qualifying tie to be held in Seoul, Korea, from April 19 to 22, has 516.75 ranking points to remain the highest ranked Indian in the WTA circuit.

Sania has shown little improvement in her rankings this year, which has not seen her go beyond the third round of any singles competition played so far.

Her only major achievement this year has been a doubles title at tier-III Bangalore Open and reaching the doubles finals at the tier-II Bausch and Laumb Championship at Amelia Islands, Florida.

The WTA Newcomer of the Year is also battling injuries, which have hampered her progress and the Hyderabadi teenager has admitted that she would go in to the Federation Cup tie against her doctor's advice.

The other Indians on the list include US-based Shikha Uberoi (150) at 183rd spot followed way down by Ankita Bhambri (60.25) at 338.

Isha Lakhani (50.50) and veteran Rushmi Chakravarthi (49.75) are at 364th and 367th respectively and Sanaa Bhambri (33.25) is at 458.

French Amelie Mauresmo (3511) continues to lead the pack with Belgian Kim Clijsters (2941) at the second spot.

Russian Maria Sharapova (2753) has overtaken Kim's compatriot Justin Henin-Hardenne (2693) at the third spot."