Justine Henin-Hardenne was crowned the new queen of women's tennis on Sunday after moving to the top of the WTA standings.

Henin-Hardenne reached the landmark by dispatching Jelena Dokic of Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 6-4 in the final of the Swisscom Challenge.

The diminutive Belgian, seeded two in Switzerland, now replaces her compatriot Kim Clijsters as top of the world standings with this victory.

It has been a memorable year for Henin-Hardenne who by winning the French Open became the first Belgian to win a Grand Slam event and has since also won the US Open.

Her victory in Zurich was her eighth in all tournaments this year while Clijsters effectively surrendered top spot when she was beaten by Dokic in the semi-finals.

"All my life I have dreamed about winning Grand Slams and being number one in the world," said Henin-Hardenne.

"This is a very special day for me and one I will remember forever. It's taking a while to sink in now, and I think it will take a few days to truly realise what has happened here."

Praise from her countrywoman quickly followed.

"I'm happy for her. I've always said that if the top ranking had to change, then it should go to another Belgian," said a gracious Clijsters.

"She's had a great year and she's probably the most improved player on the tour this season."

The 21-year-old's amazing run began with a gruelling fitness programme under the guidance of expert Pat Etcheberry in Tampa last December.

She started her 2003 grand slam campaign with her best Australian Open showing by reaching the semi-finals.

In February, she outlasted Monica Seles in a thrilling three-set encounter, saving two match points, to win the title in Dubai.

In April, the Belgian ended then-world number one Serena Williams' 21-match unbeaten run in the Family Circle Cup final.

Another breakthrough win followed in Berlin, where she saved two match points to defeat Clijsters for only the third time in 10 professional meetings.

All of this culminated in Henin-Hardenne beating the world's top two players, first Williams, then Clijsters en route to her first grand slam title at Roland Garros.

Serena gained revenge in the Wimbledon semis, but after that, Henin-Hardenne was virtually unstoppable, claiming her first title on US hardcourts in San Diego, then the Canadian Open and her second grand slam title at Flushing Meadows, defeating Clijsters in the final.

Her 22-match winning streak was snapped by Anastasia Myskina in the final of Leipzig three weeks ago.

Henin-Hardenne becomes the 13th woman to ascend to the number one spot since computer rankings were first introduced on November 3, 1975, joining the likes of former greats Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, and most recently the Williams sisters.