Li Na Retires From Tennis

It is a sad day for women's tennis as two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na retires from the sport at the age of 32. Citing a reoccurring knee injury that has kept her out of the game since her third round loss at this summer's Wimbledon, Li Na's absence will be keenly felt throughout the women's tour.

After Wimbledon, Li parted ways with coach Carlos Rodriguez and when she subsequently missed the entire US Open series, rumours began to circulate that Li was retiring from the sport. And it was in her open letter to fans today that she announced the expected news. At 32 years-old it is hard to recover from injuries that can have lasting implications and Li feels that it is impossible for her to compete at the highest level again. Her last competitive match at Wimbledon this year saw her lose in the third round to Czech player Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova 7-6(5) 7-6(5) and it almost seemed a little evident then that Li was struggling with her game. So leaving the sport ranked No.6 in the world (No.2 before injury) and with two Grand Slam titles to her name, this is probably the best way for Li to hang up her racquet.  

Inspiring, passionate, humorous and kind are just some of the words that easily describe the personality of the Chinese star. A player who is not just remembered for her hard fought wins to clinch two Grand Slam titles but more-so her on-court interviews after matches, particularly at this year's Australian Open final which filled the Rod Laver Arena with raptures of laughter. In fact, Li Na had a penchant for performing at the highest level in Australia by reaching the semi-finals in 2010, being a finalist in 2011 (Clijsters) and 2013 (Azarenka) and finally claiming the title this year against Dominika Cibulkova. It's fair to say that the Aussies will be hit hardest by the loss of a player who has made such an impact over the last four years "down under". So when the 2015 event begins, I'm sure there will be some sort of commemoration to mark her achievements at the tournament that has bought her the most success.

But her accomplishments extend beyond that of Australia; Li's stellar impact on the Chinese game has revolutionized the WTA circuit with currently five tournaments being held in China, whereas in 2008 there were only two. She has helped bring the game into a whole new jurisdiction in China with her Grand Slam wins signalling the emergence of tennis as a powerhouse in her native country. Tennis is now one of the most popular sports in China and her fan-base at home have been relishing the chance at witnessing a home-grown player achieve so much. When Li lifted her first Grand Slam title, the French Open trophy in 2011, an estimated 116 million Chinese fans watched at home, making it the most viewed sporting event in China that year. This isn't the only record that Li has broken, she became the first Chinese to win a WTA title in 2008, the highest seeded Asian player - male or female - in history (No.2) and she is the sole player from Asia - male or female - to win a Grand Slam title and these records are amongst many others. Her accolades speak for itself, she has made a huge imprint on the game which will never be forgotten.

But Li Na won't be leaving the game completely, the Chinese star who has been reported in Forbes as the second highest earning female athlete behind Maria Sharapova is set to open her own Li Na Tennis Academy in China. By providing scholarships to the future youth generation she is hoping to develop more young children into tennis stars and I believe that is a fantastic way to begin your post tennis career.  

Li Na leaves the game to an out-pour of admiration from fellow players. Victoria Azarenka tweeted: "What a great player, hilarious girl and an inspiration to many! You have done so much for our sport worldwide! I will always have great memories of all our tough battles. Wishing you the best for a new chapter in your life". 

Ana Ivanovic wrote: "What an amazing person and champion!!! You will be missed on tour but amazing new chapter ahead of you! Wishing you all the best". 

Caroline Wozniacki laments: "Li Na, one of the funniest and nicest players on tour! A great competitor and a role model both on and off the court! You will be missed!! An exciting new chapter starts today".
 
And 18-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams said: "Congratulations to Li Na. A sad day for tennis but I'm sure your future will be bright and the star you left on our sport will never dim".

But maybe the most poignant of all is from Li Na herself from extracts of her open letter. "Representing China on the tennis court was an extraordinary privilege and a true honour. Having the unique opportunity to effectively bring more attention to the sport of tennis in China and all over Asia is something I will cherish forever. But in sport, just like in life, all great things must come to an end. I've succeeded on the global stage in a sport that a few years ago was in its infancy in China. What I've accomplished for myself is beyond my wildest dreams. What I accomplished for my country is one of my most proud achievements".