Li Na was treated to an emotional farewell in front of her fellow countrymen and women at the National Tennis Center in Beijing during the China Open.
Li Na was treated to an emotional farewell in front of her fellow countrymen and women at the National Tennis Center in Beijing during the China Open.
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She had to wipe away tears as the ceremony unfolded just days after announcing her decision to quit tennis because of recurring knee problems.
She had to wipe away tears as the ceremony unfolded just days after announcing her decision to quit tennis because of recurring knee problems.
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Some 40 WTA players attended the ceremony, including U.S. Open finalist and former world no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, who was similarly tearful.
Some 40 WTA players attended the ceremony, including U.S. Open finalist and former world no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, who was similarly tearful.
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This year's Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was among those to talk at the event, paying tribute in her speech by concluding, "We will miss you, champion."
This year's Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was among those to talk at the event, paying tribute in her speech by concluding, "We will miss you, champion."
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As players like Jelena Jankovic bid farewell, a banner was unfurled saying: "Yes, this is Li Na's Motherland -- China".
As players like Jelena Jankovic bid farewell, a banner was unfurled saying: "Yes, this is Li Na's Motherland -- China".
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The one-time world No.2 eventually managed a smile on a lap of honor as the crowd in the capital chanted, "Li Na, I love you."
The one-time world No.2 eventually managed a smile on a lap of honor as the crowd in the capital chanted, "Li Na, I love you."
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She will always be remembered as the first Asian player to win a grand slam title courtesy of her victory at the 2011 French Open.
She will always be remembered as the first Asian player to win a grand slam title courtesy of her victory at the 2011 French Open.
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The 32-year-old doubled her grand slam tally at this year's Australian Open, which she admitted was a career high in her farewell speech.
The 32-year-old doubled her grand slam tally at this year's Australian Open, which she admitted was a career high in her farewell speech.
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Accompanied by husband Jiang Shan, she was earlier giving flowers by 14-time grand slam winner Rafa Nadal, who earlier tweeted "I wish you all the best in your new life."
Accompanied by husband Jiang Shan, she was earlier giving flowers by 14-time grand slam winner Rafa Nadal, who earlier tweeted "I wish you all the best in your new life."
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Her career effectively ended at Wimbledon, her last tournament, before her retirement was officially announced on September 19.
Her career effectively ended at Wimbledon, her last tournament, before her retirement was officially announced on September 19.
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