Sania slips one spot to 50th in WTA rankings

Sania Mirza has slipped one place to 50th in the latest WTA rankings issued on Monday.

Sania, who has been out of court with a knee injury is aiming to return in next week's USD 1.3 million German Open in Berlin, has 503 ranking points.

However, if the Indian ace's recovery doesn't go as planned then her comeback may be delayed until the Morocco WTA event starting May 14.

But the 20-year-old has started practising after being out of action for close to two months with a knee injury which required a minor surgery.

Meanwhile, US-based Shikha Uberoi and Sunitha Rao, who spearheaded India's Fed Cup campaign in Sania's absence, were 239th and 241st respectively.

Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne continues to lead the pack ahead of Russian Maria Sharapova. French Amelie Mauresmo occupies the third spot followed by Hardenne's compatriot Kim Clijsters.

Meanwhile in the ATP doubles rankings, Leander Paes gained two places to be seventh with 3790 points this week, but his estranged partner Mahesh Bhupathi had a fall, dropping four spots to 29th.