Beatriz Haddad Maia became the first Brazilian woman to reach the top 10 of the WTA rankings on Monday following her dream run to the semi-finals of the French Open.

The 27-year-old beat Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the last eight in Paris to become the first Brazilian woman in 55 years to reach a grand slam semi-final.

Brazilian women have had precious little success since the days of Maria Bueno who claimed seven grand slam titles between 1959 and 1966 — long before the advent of the WTA rankings which were introduced in 1975.

Three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten became No.1 in the men’s ATP rankings in 2000.

Haddad Maia will take a ranking of 10 into the grasscourt season.

Iga Swiatek, the women’s champion at Roland Garros, kept her spot atop the WTA rankings, where she has been for more than a year. Aryna Sabalenka remains at No. 2 while Elena Rybakina moved up a spot to No. 3.

Novak Djokovic returned to No. 1 in the ATP rankings, replacing Carlos Alcaraz there, after winning the French Open for a men’s record 23rd grand slam title.

Djokovic now will add to the record he already held for the most weeks leading the tennis rankings — men’s or women’s — since the computerised system was set up half century ago.

Alcaraz moves to No.2, pushing Daniil Medvedev to third position.

Murray sets age record

London: Andy Murray hailed his “perfect start to the grass season” as the three-time grand slam champion stepped up preparations for Wimbledon in style.

The 36-year-old Murray became the oldest grass-court champion at an ATP Challenger Tour event, beating Austrian Jurij Rodionov 6-3, 6-2 on Sunday in the final of the Lexus Surbiton Trophy to earn a seeded position at Wimbledon next month.

It was his first singles title on grass since winning Wimbledon in 2016.

Murray withdrew from the French Open to prioritise Wimbledon, where he has won two of his majors on grass.

Murray showcased a powerful shot collection which dismantled Rodionov in just more than an hour.

AP/PTI