Asian Tennis the loser with Li Na retiring

LONDON — Li Na’s presence in tennis has been a driving force in the transformation of the sport throughout Asia and her retirement makes the sport poorer.

Having lifted the French Open crown in 2011, then adding the Australian Open in January this year, she moved to No 2 in the world rankings, giving talented children throughout the region the right to dream of reaching her lofty status.

As with so many sport stars though, a losing battle with injuries put paid to her career.

Li’s journey to the top was a long and often painful one, involving regular injections as well as three operations on damaged cartilage in her right knee.

She has not appeared on court since going out in the third round of Wimbledon, prompting the admission that enough is enough.

“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,” Li said.

“After four knee surgeries and hundreds of shots injected into my knee weekly to alleviate swelling and pain, my body is begging me to stop the pounding … My body kept telling me that, at 32, I will not be able to compete at the top level again.

“As hard as it is to come to this decision, I am at peace with it,” she added.

Managed by Max Eisenbud, who also looks after the interests of Maria Sharapova, Li was second in earnings only to her stable mate as one of the highest earners in the sport.

Indeed, Sharapova was the only player on the women’s tour to outstrip her.

“I see Li Na as a Billie Jean King-type figure,” Eisenbud told the BBC earlier this year.

“They are both pioneers who have broken down a lot of barriers. She opened doors; she has sent out a message to young Chinese people that you can be successful at whatever you want.” AGENCIES