Compatriots hail Li's breakthrough French Open victory
Source: Agencies |
June 10, 2011, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
LI Na's Chinese compatriots on the WTA Tour say her French Open title will bring about a big influx in new players from the Asian country and could have a major impact on the sport as a whole.
Former Wimbledon semifinalist Zheng Jie and Peng Shuai are the only other two Chinese players to have been ranked in the women's top 20, and were full of praise for Li at this week's Aegon Classic grasscourt tournament in Birmingham.
"Li Na's win is huge, it will bring a big change," Zheng said. "I watched the match, and she played so great. I texted her a message and said, 'show me the trophy.' It's a big change for China."
Peng added that "I think tennis in China now will get more popular."
Li beat Francesca Schiavone of Italy in the French Open final to become the first Chinese and Asian player to win a grand slam singles title, and the match attracted a domestic TV audience of 116 million.
China's CCTV said the audience for Li's 6-4, 7-6 (0) triumph over the defending champion last Saturday was the most watched sporting event in China this year, beating the 60 million who watched Li's defeat to Belgian Kim Clijsters in the Australian Open final in January.
"The viewership numbers for Li Na's historic Roland Garros win are a fantastic sign for the continued growth potential of women's tennis in China," WTA chief Stacey Allaster said in a news release.
The WTA has clearly identified China as a major part of its future strategy, awarding Beijing one of its four "Crown Jewel" tournaments and relocating its Asia-Pacific headquarters to the Chinese capital.
Former Wimbledon semifinalist Zheng Jie and Peng Shuai are the only other two Chinese players to have been ranked in the women's top 20, and were full of praise for Li at this week's Aegon Classic grasscourt tournament in Birmingham.
"Li Na's win is huge, it will bring a big change," Zheng said. "I watched the match, and she played so great. I texted her a message and said, 'show me the trophy.' It's a big change for China."
Peng added that "I think tennis in China now will get more popular."
Li beat Francesca Schiavone of Italy in the French Open final to become the first Chinese and Asian player to win a grand slam singles title, and the match attracted a domestic TV audience of 116 million.
China's CCTV said the audience for Li's 6-4, 7-6 (0) triumph over the defending champion last Saturday was the most watched sporting event in China this year, beating the 60 million who watched Li's defeat to Belgian Kim Clijsters in the Australian Open final in January.
"The viewership numbers for Li Na's historic Roland Garros win are a fantastic sign for the continued growth potential of women's tennis in China," WTA chief Stacey Allaster said in a news release.
The WTA has clearly identified China as a major part of its future strategy, awarding Beijing one of its four "Crown Jewel" tournaments and relocating its Asia-Pacific headquarters to the Chinese capital.
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