Li Na has been a growing phenomenon over the last couple of seasons on the tennis circuit, let's get to know a little bit more about the 28 year old. She hails from Hubei Province in the middle of China and turned professional in 1999. Li has won 19 International Tennis Federation titles, and, four WTA ones before appearing in this years Australian Open. She has set many records domestically.
Several years ago, few people knew Li Na's name.
She said, "Hello everyone, I'm Li Na. Should I introduce myself?"
The anchor said, "Sure. Sure."
She said, "I do enjoy making self-introduction."
However, after sending Denmarks top seed Caroline Wozniacki crashing out in the semis, became the first Chinese female Grand Slam Finalist with her appearance in this years Australian Open.
She said, "I'm glad I can be the first Chinese. I'm always the first one."
Despite making her first Grand Slam final, she's already set a benchmark in China's tennis history. She retired for two-years but returned to the courts in 2004, and won the first WTA tour title in Guangzhou at China's International Women's Open. She became the first Chinese quarterfinalist in Grand Slam tournaments at Wimbledon in 2006.
Two years later and she made a Semi-Final appearance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and then a quarter finals showdown the following year at the US Open. Last year, her performance at the Australian Open in 2010 saw her climb to number nine in the world rankings. That made her the first Chinese woman to brake into the Top 10. In January, she defeated Kim Clijsters at the Sydney International and captured a WTA title making her the first Chinese tennis player to win in a premier level event.
Li is now a household tennis name and also has a fan base spanning the world. Her popularity does not only stem from winning matches, but also her fun personality.
She said, "I didn't sleep well, my husband was snoring, I had to wake up."
Wherever she travels, she puts in top performances, and although one of the more senior tennis players on the circuit, has plenty more fuel in the tank.
The thewiplist.com, an American website checking out celebrities' popularity claims Li has become the sports star draw most westener's attention.
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