MOVING UP: Current world No. 2 Maria Sharapova, who takes over the top spot from Justine Henin next week, says the Belgian has been an inspiration and she understands why she is retiring. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

Maria Sharapova will be the new women's world No 1 when the rankings are released on Monday, the Women's Tennis Association said yesterday.

The 21-year-old Russian, who is competing in the Italian Open, said: 'Henin's 25 years old and she's achieved so much in her career.

'If I were 25 and I'd won so many Grand Slams, I'd quit too.

'Without being the strongest or the biggest, she's won so much. She's an inspiration.

'There're so many things to life and I'm sure she wants to explore them. I definitely don't blame her for retiring.'

Not only does Lorena Ochoa understand Sorenstam's desire to retire early from competitive golf and start a family, but she might also eventually join her.

Two years ago, the LPGA Tour's No 1 said she planned to play only six to 12 years. This is her sixth full season on the tour, and her path remains intact.

'I don't want to be here forever and I want to play maybe 10, 12 years,' Ochoa, 26, insisted, adding that she admired Sorenstam for her decision.

'I do want to go back home and just raise a family and have kids.

'You never know what is going to happen, but I would love to just finish here and be happy with my career and then just go back to Mexico and do things that I love to do, that I miss.

'Life is too short to not do them, and I like to be home.'

Ochoa credits Sorenstam for being her motivation, and somewhat of a role model on and off the course.

The bottomline has always been to dominate the game the way Sorenstam has over a 15-year career that saw her win 72 times, including 10 Majors.

'I'm going to miss her,' Ochoa said. 'She's why I'm here. I always had in my mind that I wanted to be the best and that I wanted to dominate the game.

'Annika has been my motivation. I always try to learn from her inside and off the golf course.

'She's inspired me to really be like her and to be here today as the No1 player.'

For now, however, the Mexican just might have to beat back a challenge from the 37-year-old Sorenstam, who seems determined to win back her No 1 status before she puts her clubs in the garage for good.

'I think it's going to be just a fun time,' Ochoa said.

'I think we should enjoy it as much as we can, not only us as players but the media and everybody.

'I feel very lucky to be part of this, with Annika's career and I think it's going to be a great challenge because she's a great competitor, but I'm ready.'

ASSOCIATED PRESS