NEW YORK: China’s tennis great Li Na has become the first from her country to be inducted into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame on Tuesday.
Li Na is the first global superstar in the sport from China, becoming the first player not only in the nation but also across Asia to win a Grand Slam singles title. She ended up claiming the French Open in 2011 and the Australian Open in 2014. Her highest ranking till date is World No.2.
Due to her presence, the French Open 2011 final was watched by more than 116 million people in China, which is a record for the world’s most populated country in tennis.
“I am incredibly honoured to become a Hall of Famer. I love tennis and am grateful for all the opportunity it has provided me. I have loved seeing the sport grow in China and I’m proud to be part of that history.
“To have my career and China’s growing history be recognized at the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a great honour and I’m humbled and grateful. I look forward to the celebration in Newport this year and to becoming a Hall of Famer.” Li Na said.
She will be joined this year by former French champion Mary Pierce and ex-World No.1 and Olympic gold medallist, Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia. The new inductees will be celebrated today in a special ceremony in Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open, joined by many other Hall of Fame tennis legends who will gather to welcome them for the first time as Hall of Fame inductees.
In becoming Hall of Famers, Na, Pierce, and Kafelnikov join an elite group of just over 250 individuals hailing from 23 nations who have received the honour, which recognises their careers as being among the most accomplished and impactful in the history of tennis.
“It’s a pleasure to congratulate Li Na, Mary Pierce, and Yevgeny Kafelnikov, and to welcome them into the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” Hall of Fame President Stan Smith added.
“They are three incredibly hard-working athletes who set and achieved goals at tennis’ highest levels. This is a well-deserved honour, and we look forward to celebrating them as Hall of Famers in Newport in July.”
