Sania returns to top 50

Add as a preferred source on Google

New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) Despite losing in the first round of the Istanbul Cup last week, Sania Mirza broke back into top 50 in the latest WTA rankings issued today.

The Indian ace, who takes on Alberta Brianti of Italy in the French Open first round, gained two places from the previous week.

Sania had her best ranking of 31st in October 2005.

In the doubles, a runners-up finish in Istanbul pairing with Chan Yu-Jung of Chinese Taipei had no effect as the Hyderabadi stuck to 37th, according to information received here today.

Sania will have a new partner in Eva Birnerova of Czech Republic in the season's first Grand Slam and they will have a tough task against top seeded American-Aussie duo of Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur in the opening round.

Meanwhile in ATP doubles individual rankings, Leander Paes remained static at sixth, while his estranged partner Mahesh Bhupathi lost three places to occupy 26th spot.

UNI