Tearing down the barrier
Source: Agencies |
June 6, 2011, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
LI Na's trailblazing French Open triumph has torn down a psychological barrier for Asian players, the Asian Tennis Federation chief said yesterday.
When sixth-seeded Li beat last year's champion, Francesca Schiavone of Italy, 6-4, 7-6 (7-0) in Saturday's final at Rolland Garros to become the first Asian to win a singles grand slam title.
ATF President Anil Khanna, speaking from Paris, predicted a wider impact of Li's groundbreaking victory.
"It is a great moment and I would say a historic day in Asian tennis," he said. "The whole continent was looking forward to this moment. It proves Asia is now as important as any other region in tennis.
"It absolutely destroys that psychological barrier. More and more Asian players would now aspire for such glory.
"It will be a great boost to the Asian players. Tennis will pick up in other Asian countries and I expect larger Asian participation in global events."
Khanna said Li's feat also boosted the region's dreams of hosting a "fifth grand slam" in the region.
"The momentum has to continue and we are in touch with ITF (International Tennis Federation) to make sure that happens," he said. "It strengthens Asia's case to have a grand slam-like tournament.
"I would say her victory indicates tennis is gradually shifting toward Asia.
"Women players of the region have been doing well for quite a while and now the men's tennis would follow suit.
"We should have bigger events, a grand slam-like tournament. Asia is tennis's new destination," said Khanna.
When sixth-seeded Li beat last year's champion, Francesca Schiavone of Italy, 6-4, 7-6 (7-0) in Saturday's final at Rolland Garros to become the first Asian to win a singles grand slam title.
ATF President Anil Khanna, speaking from Paris, predicted a wider impact of Li's groundbreaking victory.
"It is a great moment and I would say a historic day in Asian tennis," he said. "The whole continent was looking forward to this moment. It proves Asia is now as important as any other region in tennis.
"It absolutely destroys that psychological barrier. More and more Asian players would now aspire for such glory.
"It will be a great boost to the Asian players. Tennis will pick up in other Asian countries and I expect larger Asian participation in global events."
Khanna said Li's feat also boosted the region's dreams of hosting a "fifth grand slam" in the region.
"The momentum has to continue and we are in touch with ITF (International Tennis Federation) to make sure that happens," he said. "It strengthens Asia's case to have a grand slam-like tournament.
"I would say her victory indicates tennis is gradually shifting toward Asia.
"Women players of the region have been doing well for quite a while and now the men's tennis would follow suit.
"We should have bigger events, a grand slam-like tournament. Asia is tennis's new destination," said Khanna.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
