Erakovic breaks into world's top 100

WINNING: Marina Erakovic has progressed to the semi-finals of the WTA women's tennis tournament in Memphis after beating Russian Alla Kudryavtseva 4-6 6-3 6-3 in the quarter-finals.

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New Zealand's Marina Erakovic has broken into the top 100 in the world rankings for the first time in her tennis career.

The Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) updated rankings issued today listed Erakovic at 98th, up 27 places on her previous placing.

The promotion was due to her strong performances at last week's Memphis International in the United States.

Having pre-qualified for the tier three WTA event, Erakovic progressed to the semifinals where she was eliminated by American world No 1 Lindsay Davenport.

A ranking inside the top 100 will grant Erakovic, who turns 20 on Thursday, access to more top level tournaments.

If she can improve further to inside the leading 95 players she would virtually be guaranteed a place in the main draw of Grand Slam tournaments.

The last New Zealander inside the top 100 on the WTA rankings was Pavlina Nola in 2000.

Erakovic is now preparing for the pre-qualifying tournament for the tier one $US1.2 million ($NZ1.52 million) Pacific Life Cup at Indian Wells next week.

-NZPA