Chinese · Wuhan, China · Born 26 February 1982Chinese trailblazer who became the first Asian player to win a Grand Slam singles title, triumphing at the 2011 French Open and 2014 Australian Open.
Li Na was born on 26 February 1982 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, the daughter of a former professional badminton player, and initially followed her father's path into that sport before switching to tennis at eight on a coach's recommendation. She turned professional in 1999, and by 15 was already a member of China's national tennis team. Li took a two-year hiatus from tennis between 2002 and 2004 to study journalism at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, earning her bachelor's degree before returning to the professional circuit. In 2008, in a groundbreaking move for Chinese sport, she left the country's state-run "national team" system to manage her own career independently, taking control of her training, coaching, and finances. Li made history at the 2011 French Open, defeating top seed Francesca Schiavone in the final to become the first tennis player from China or all of Asia, male or female, to win a Grand Slam singles title — an achievement that transformed her into a national icon and dramatically expanded the sport's popularity across the region. She added a second major at the 2014 Australian Open, becoming the first Asian player to win that title as well. Li retired in September 2014 with nine WTA singles titles and a career-high ranking of world No. 2, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2019, the first Asian-born player to receive the honour. She has since remained active in charitable causes, including donating to relief efforts in her hometown of Wuhan during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak.
First Asian Grand Slam singles champion
She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2019 — the first Asian player ever to receive that honour.
Did You Know?How They Played
Li Na was known for her aggressive baseline game with powerful groundstrokes from both wings. She possessed a strong forehand and was particularly effective at hitting winners from defensive positions. Her fearless attacking style and ability to hit through the court made her a formidable opponent on hard courts.
Lasting Impact
Li Na's Grand Slam victories opened doors for tennis in Asia and inspired a generation of Chinese players to pursue professional tennis. Her success significantly boosted tennis popularity in China and paved the way for increased investment in the sport throughout Asia.
Career Honours
- 2 Grand Slam singles titles
- peak ranking world No. 2
- International Tennis Hall of Fame (2019)
Chinese Athletes