Changing faces at the top

Published : Jun 21, 2008 00:00 IST

Since Roger Federer became the men’s world No. 1 in February 2004, the women’s game has seen six players occupy the top spot.

Justine Henin(Belgium)

Feb. 2-Sep. 12, 2004; Nov. 13, 2006-Jan. 28 2007; March 19, 2007-May 18, 2008.

Total weeks: 104

A superb attacking player with a full range of ground-strokes usually hit with extreme topspin or slice. Won seven Grand Slam titles, but never Wimbledon. Retired in May, 2008.

Amelie Mauresmo(France)

Sep. 13-Oct. 17, 2004; March 20-Nov. 12, 2006.

Total weeks: 39

No one questions her talent — particularly at the net and her strong backhand — but she has been criticised for letting nerves get the better of her. Had her golden year in 2006, winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Lindsay Davenport(US)

Oct. 18, 2004-Aug. 21, 2005; Aug. 29-Sep. 11, 2005; Oct. 24, 2005-Jan. 29, 2006.

Total weeks: 59

Now 32, the American has had a long and distinguished career, winning three Grand Slam titles, the French Open being the only one to elude her. At just over 6ft 2in she is the tallest woman to win one of the big four.

Maria Sharapova(Russia)

Aug. 22-28, 2005; Sep. 12-Oct. 23, 2005; Jan. 29-March 18, 2007; May 19-June 8, 2008.

Total weeks: 24

The then 17-year-old Russian announced her arrival by beating Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final in 2004. Tall and powerful with a strong serve, she has suffered from a recurring shoulder injury over the last two years. Has won three major titles; as with Davenport the French Open is the one missing from her collection.

Kim Clijsters(Belgium)Jan. 30-March 19, 2006.Total weeks: 7

Known for her tenacious defence and court coverage, and her rivalry with Henin, Clijsters managed to win only one Grand Slam title, the US Open in 2005, though she lost in three other finals. Retired in May last year.

Ana Ivanovic(Serbia)June 9, 2008Total weeks: 1

Lost last year’s French Open final to Henin and this year’s Australian Open to Sharapova but took full advantage of Henin’s retirement to win at Roland Garros this year and take over the world No. 1 spot that Sharapova had briefly regained.