Chinese trailblazer pays special tribute to mom after 'hating' early days on court
Li Na of China (left), Mary Pierce of France and Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia share a laugh before being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday. The 37-year-old Li is the first Asia-born player to be enshrined on the sport's list of legends. [Photo/Agencies]
True to her nature, family was first and foremost in Li Na's thoughts as she was formally inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.
The two-time Grand Slam champion became the first Asia-born player to be added to the list of legends at a ceremony that also enshrined Mary Pierce of France and Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov in Newport, Rhode Island.
Max Eisenbud, Li's former agent, said the Chinese great "had transcended the sport" and triggered "social change", comparing the magnitude of her feats to that of Billie Jean King's.
However, it was Li's mom, not tennis idols, who topped the humble Wuhan native's thank-you list as she accepted the honor.
"I started playing tennis when I was 8 years old. My mom chose it for me. Even though she was not interested in sport, but it was good choice, right" Li told the crowd during her acceptance speech.
"I hated tennis, honestly. I hated it because after school I would have to go to the tennis court and would have no time play with my friends.
"Not bad, right. At least I'm standing here now. As time went by, I really grew to enjoy this amazing sport."
Two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na takes the stage for her International Tennis Hall of Fame induction on Saturday.
The 37-year-old, who topped a fan vote out of eight nominations for the Class of 2019, added: "Looking back over the years, there have been a lot of people who have empowered me.
"I would like to thank the team where I grew up, also the Chinese federation, all my coaches. Too many friends to mention, and also my family. All of these have resulted in Li Na, and I could not have achieved what I have without them."
Li's 2011 French Open triumph saw her become the first Asian to win a singles major. The final was watched by an estimated 116 million Chinese and triggered a tennis boom back home.
Having been runner-up twice in Melbourne, she then added the 2014 Australian Open title to her trophy cabinet before calling time on her career later that year at the age of 32.
Eisenbud compared Li to trailblazing women's great King, the 39-time Grand Slam champion who has inspired generations of girls to pick up a racket.
Li Na is all smiles during an interview at the International Tennis Hall of Fame center in Newport, Rhode Island. [Photo/Agencies]
"I believe Li Na is a maverick who has been carrying Billie Jean King's legacy in China for today's generation. She wasn't afraid to be outspoken. She wasn't afraid to stand up for her beliefs. No matter what, she believed in herself.
"Li Na's titles meant a lot more than just trophies as her success on the court has inspired a generation of Chinese tennis players.
"Just like Billie Jean, Li Na brought about social change and transcended her sport.
"When Li Na played her first-ever professional tennis match in 2000, there was only one WTA event in China. This year there are nine WTA events in China, more than any nation. The WTA Finals will make their debut in Shenzhen this year."
Eisenbud added of the player who reached a career-high No 2 in the world rankings: "Li Na, you've been an inspiration to millions of people to not just pick up a tennis racket, but to believe in themselves, not be afraid of a challenge and stand up for their beliefs."
Fighting back the tears, the 44-year-old Pierce, who won the 1995 Australian and 2000 French Opens, said: "The goal is only as worthy as the effect required to achieve it."
China's Li Na signs autographs for fans before being inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday in Newport, Rhode Island. [Photo/Agencies]
Pierce said she played the final match of her career against Li at the 2006 US Open. "Look where we are today," she said, looking at Li, seated to her right.
The 45-year-old Kafelnikov was described on his plaque as "one of the most dominant Russian players of his generation".
He captured the 1996 French Open and three years later won the Australian before claiming gold at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. He also helped Russia win the Davis Cup in 2002.
"I know now what it is to be a Hall of Famer," he told the crowd. "I will carry that responsibility for the rest of my life, and hopefully I won't disappoint you."
"It means that I did it because of hard work," added the former world No 1. "All my success came because I did work hard."
Li, who now works as an ambassador for her hometown WTA tournament the Wuhan Open, expects to continue to play a prominent role in promoting tennis, despite her family commitments.
"It has been five years now since my retirement. Nowadays, I enjoy a better work-life balance, and most importantly I have two children. Also, the same husband," Li said with a smile.
"I will do all I can to inspire, to help more young and upcoming players and hope they can enjoy this amazing sport."
