ROME — Serena Williams says she's No. 1 in the world even though the women's tennis rankings indicate otherwise.

Dinara Safina of Russia overtook Williams in the rankings two weeks ago, but Williams says "quite frankly, I'm the best in the world."

Williams made her comments Monday at the Italian Open.

Safina has never won a Grant Slam title, and was beaten in the Australian Open final this year by Williams, who has won 10 Grand Slam titles.

Safina says she is still coming to terms with her new position but insists it is well deserved. She notes she has played in two Grand Slam finals and won four titles last year.