Williams takes number one spot

Williams' athleticism has propelled her to the top spot

Reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion Venus Williams is the new women's world number one.

The 21-year-old American replaced compatriot Jennifer Capriati to become only the 10th woman to hold the accolade.

"Right now, it's just been great getting there, but it's another thing staying there," said Williams.

"So I just have to be dedicated and more than anything, keep enjoying the game."

At this point I am the best player in the world

World number one
Venus Williams

Williams is the first African-American, man or woman, to reach the top spot on either the ATP or WTA computer rankings.

But in the pre-ranking era former greats such as Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe were also regarded as the best in the world during parts of their careers, and Williams paid tribute to the former.

"It would be foolish to forget Althea Gibson. She was the first. And more than anything, I just feel proud to represent America in my sport," Williams said.

"At this point I am the best player in the world, so that's exciting and it's going to be mine at least a week."

Williams, whose sister Serena has also won a Grand Slam title, added that is was her father who put her on the road to becoming the best female player in the world.

Venus Williams is becoming the queen of Wimbledon

"Being number one was firstly my parents' dream, but it soon became mine too, so reaching it was great not only for me, but for them too.

"I was just being the daughter of a proud father. And more than anything, I think he knew he put the work in.

"We were listening to him, and that's why he had the confidence to say that myself and Serena would be Grand Slam champions.

"Right now, we are some of the best players in the game, I guess, in history, and I just think that I give a lot of credit to my dad for that."

In the men's rankings, Martin Lee has moved up to 97th place, giving Britain three players in the top 100 for the first time in 23 years.