It may have taken a decade longer than at first expected, but finally Jennifer Capriati is the number one ranked woman tennis player in the world.

The American dethroned Martina Hingis at the Filderstadt tournament at the weekend when the Swiss player bowed out in the semi-finals with an ankle injury against Lindsay Davenport.

Ironically, in what has been the greatest year of her career, Capriati was decidely off-form in Germany losing to France's Sandrine Testud in the quarter-finals.

But on learning of her elevation for the first time as top of the WTA rankings, Capriati made clear her feelings.

"It feels great. I haven't really digested it yet - I think I'll have to see it on paper first," she said.

"Of course, it's every kid's dream to be number one. For me I think you can appreciate it more when you are older. In Australia this year I think everything clicked for me and since then I have been playing really well.

"I am also proud to be able to come back from everything that has happened in my life, and just to enjoy tennis and play this well.

"I think this shows everybody that it's never too late to realise your talent, or your dream. If you think positive."