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China’s two-time Grand Slam winner Li Na announced her retirement via Sina Weibo on Friday morning and will hold a press conference on Sunday in Beijing, according to her agent company, IMG. The breaking news left her fans surprised, especially as it comes on a day when the Asian Games open in Incheon, South Korea, and the Wuhan Open debuts in Li's hometown. Speculation over Li's retirement has been rife ever since the 32-year-old pulled out of the US Open and other hard-court tournaments afterwards due to knee injuries. But insiders thought she will not hang up her racket before playing in home tournaments. All that has changed. [Full text of Li Na's farewell letter] |
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Native: Wuhan, Hubei,China |
| Tennis world on Li's retirement |
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 She is a pioneer who opened doors to tennis for hundreds of millions of people throughout China and Asia. - WTA Chairman & CEO Stacey Allaster
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 (I) will always have great memories of all our tough battles. Wish you the best for a new chapter in your life. - Victoria Azarenka: four time Grand Slam winner and former world No.1 |
 A truly respected athlete and person, I wish Li Na much happiness and health in her next chapters of life. - Maria Sharapova, five time Grand Slam winner and former world No. 1
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 She made us work hard with her unprecedented professionalism. We are worried about the lack of potential young players after her retirement. - Qing Shanglin, deputy director of China Tennis Association (CTA)
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 If she retires, it will be a loss for both Chinese tennis and tennis sport in Asia. No one can top her achievements in Asia. - Zheng Jie, China's Grand Slam doubles winner and singles semifinalist |
 Her achievements do not put any pressure on us, but broadens our horizons as professional tennis player. - Wu Di, the first Chinese man to play in a Grand Slam event
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 We should thank Li Na. Without her, no one would have cared about tennis or supported the Chinese players. - Zheng Saisai, Chinese tennis player who is in Incheon |
| Career highlights |
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Singles Grand Slam singles results: Other tournaments: |
  2014 Australian Open |
  2011 French Open |
Doubles Grand Slam doubles results: Other tournaments: |
 Shenzhen Open title Jan 4, 2014 |
 Sydney International title Jan 14, 2011 |
 Women's championship in Cincinnati, Ohio Aug 19, 2012 |
 Guangzhou Open title, Guangzhou, China 2004 |
 Aegon Classic in Birmingham, England June 13, 2010 |
 Australian Women's Hardcourt Championships, Gold Coast Jan 5, 2008 |
 Shenzhen Open title, Shenzhen, China Jan 5, 2012 |
| Men behind Li |
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Coach Carlos Rodriguez The rating is not only for the Chinese tennis star's most consistent year. >>> |
Husband Jiang Shan Li Na had fans roaring with laughter during her Australian Open victory speech as she thanked her agent for making her rich and gave damningly faint praise to her long-suffering husband. >>> |
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| Li Na and friends |
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Li Na & Friends entertains hometown fellows Former French Open champion Carlos Moya, 2011 Wimbledon semifinalist and WTA Comeback Player of the Year Sabine Lisicki, 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras and Chinese French Open winner Li Na pose for photos in front of the Yellow Crane Tower, or Huanghelou, a historic interest of Li's hometown Wuhan in Central China December 18, 2011. An exhibition game named "Wuhan Tiandi 2011 Li Na & Friends" was staged in Wuhan from December 17-18 featuring the above four players. >>> |
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Li Na, Djokovic entertain China Open A charity match between Novak Djokovic and Li Na was held on September 28, 2014 in Beijing. This was the first such event in the 10 year history of the China Open and featured various entertaining elements to provide the spectators with a splendid tennis feast as well as to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the tournament. The two popular players exhibited their skill and their humorous character at the China Open. Djokovic loves to joke around and interact with children and Li is good at working with the crowd and exciting the atmosphere. There's a lot to expect in this exceptional opening event of China Open. >>> |
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Pete Sampras on Li's husband coaching Be part of a tennis player that means to have a coach like a friend. She seems very happy with her husband coaching her. She's doing quite well. >>> |
 WTA Championships pals |
Coach Carlos Rodriguez on Li's chance for 2014 Australian Open title
"If you ask me personally, I think she deserve it. Like I said to Li Na, it's how high, how big and how strong your desire is that will get you to the crown." >>> |
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International Fame |
International brands darling
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 Nike |
 Haagen-Dazs |
 Rolex |
 Babolat |
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 Benz |
 Crown Resort |
 Samsumg |
 Spider-tech |
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Li Na's career in photos |
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Li's successor? |
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Awards: 2014 US Open singles semifinalist; |
 Peng Shuai, 28 World No 21 |
 Zheng Jie, 31 World No 68 |
Awards: 2008 Wimbledon tournament singles semifinalist; |
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 World No 33 2013 Guangzhou Open champion; 2013 Nanjing Open (WTA 125 series) champion |
 Wang Qiang, 22 World No 155 2014 US Open second round; |
 Zheng Saisai, 20 World 102 2011 Guangzhou Open doubles champion; 2013 Australian Open doubles semifinalist |
2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games singles champion |
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More about Li Na on China Daily
2013 WTA Championships
 2013 Wimbledon |
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