Monday, March 7 2005 11:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Having re-written many a records in the last two months, Sania Mirza is now set to become only the fourth tennis player to have a signature line of her own.

The 18-year-old yesterday (Mar 6, 2005) became the brand ambassador of Lotto Sports Italia and the company said that it would soon launch a signature line series.

With its launch, Sania would become only the fourth player after Andre Agassi of USA, Germany's Steffi Graf and Stephen Edberg of Sweden to have a signature line of her own.

"It is exciting to have a signature line of my own. Especially when I will be only the second woman after my idol Steffi Graf," she said, after signing the agreement.

Sania also said that she would be taking active part in designing the outfit having her signature line but was quick to add that she had not given too much thought to it so far.

There was a double delight for Sania yesterday, as she also reached a career high ranking of 77 after her exploits in the Dubai Open.

Sania, who defeated US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova on way to her quarterfinal appearance at the Dubai Open this week, said that she was elated to be at this position so soon.

The Hyderabad-based player began the year 2005 near the 200 mark but broke into the top 100 within a couple of months, after making it to the third round of the Australian Open and becoming the first Indian woman to win a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour title at Hyderabad last month. And Sania admitted that even she had not thought that it would happen so soon.

"It's been two great months. Honestly I did not think it would come so soon (ranking of 77). After reaching the third round of Australian Open I gained in confidence."

Sania said she her ankle has recovered but she would take a off this week and then would either play at Miami or in France.

On having a travelling coach, she said that was one of the things under consideration.