Li Na Announces Retirement from Professional Tennis: Latest Comments, Reaction

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at Internationaled.org

Published: September 19, 2014

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Citing the continued erosion of her ailing knees, two-time Grand Slam winner Li Na announced her retirement from professional tennis in a lengthy statement released on her official Facebook page.

"Representing China on the tennis court was an extraordinary privilege and a true honor," Li wrote. "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, 32, has not played in a professional tournament due to knee injuries since her third-round loss to Barbora Zahlavova Strycova at Wimbledon 2014. The former world No. 2 underwent surgery on her knee in July 2014 to clean up damage and said she hoped to be back for the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open, held in her hometown in September, but was unable to recover the way she had in the past.

"As hard as I tried to get back to being 100 percent, my body kept telling me that, at 32, I will not be able to compete at the top level ever again," Li wrote. "The sport is just too competitive, too good, to not be 100 percent."



The problems with Li's knees date back to 2008 and have stripped her of part of her prime. She's missed time on multiple occasions for surgeries, the most recent being her fourth. Black tape on her knee at times became just as much a trademark as her backhand. 

While the previous times the issues cropped up mainly in her right knee, Li's surgery in July was on her left—a sign that her body was beginning to break down.

For as many physical problems as she had, Li remained one of the most consistent and well-regarded players on tour when healthy. She's won nine career WTA championships and two Grand Slams, most recently at the 2014 Australian Open. Li took advantage of a tournament filled with upsets to defeat Dominika ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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