Li winning world recognition (5)

"At least I saw myself regaining my form. I am still hungry for titles. I tried my best (to win the trophy for Jiang), so I can forgive myself," she said.

With Li reaching the sport's highest level once again, tennis will gain another boost in China, according to Steve Ayles, commercial director of Tennis Australia.

"I think it will be very helpful (in promoting tennis in China), because she's so popular and so successful already. There will be another surge of interest. What she does fantastically well is she actually gives belief to the next generation of Chinese players about what you can achieve with the commitment, the passion and the hunger. It proves to other Asian players (that) if you dream you can achieve," he said.

Talent pool deepens

Led by Li and two other highly ranked women players, Zheng Jie and Peng Shuai, China sent its largest-ever contingent of 14 players (including main-draw players, qualifiers and juniors) to Melbourne, marking a deepening of the country's talent pool.

Meanwhile, more is expected because the combined efforts of the governing body in China and private investors have paid off in terms of grassroots development.


According to a report in Tennis Magazine, 10 professional tennis academies currently operate in China, in addition to local sports systems. Meanwhile, the number of amateur clubs has soared since Li's grand slam feats.

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