Li winning world recognition
Updated: 2013-01-28 08:18
By Sun Xiaochen in Melbourne, Australia, and Lei Lei in Beijing (China Daily)
|
|||||||||
Tennis ace's brave performance wins legions of new fans around the world, report Sun Xiaochen in Melbourne, Australia, and Lei Lei in Beijing.
Losing the final of the Australian Open is unlikely to stop Li Na from becoming a global superstar.
China's 30-year-old tennis ace twisted an ankle and also hit her head as she contested the final against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Saturday night. However, she earned immense respect, helped to rejuvenate her career and gave another boost for the sport in her home country.
"Your play has moved a nation of people," wrote the former NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury on his micro blog. "I, myself, was moved at seeing your amazing performance."
Defeat makes us stronger, he added.
Marbury was one of 15 million followers who tweeted about Li's final on Saturday, where the injured Chinese player lost to the world No 1 6-4, 4-6, 3-6.
Sixth seed Li twisted her left ankle early in the second set, before rolling the same ankle when play resumed after a 10-minute break for the Australia Day fireworks. She lost her balance and crashed down, her head hitting the ground.
The sound of Li's head hitting the surface silenced the crowd, making them sit up, watch and pray. However, the Chinese No 1's typical grin soothed the tensions and she quickly returned to the court, while her millions of online followers hoped for the best and encouraged her.
"I was really moved by your smile during the injury and by your tears after the match," wrote Gao Ying, a company manager from Qingdao, on her Weibo. "I laughed and cried with you. There is regret, but no disgrace, because you've done your best. You are really great."
Li twisted her left ankle early in the second set of the final on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua] |
- Li Na on Time cover, makes influential 100 list
- FBI releases photos of 2 Boston bombings suspects
- World's wackiest hairstyles
- Sandstorms strike Northwest China
- Never-seen photos of Madonna on display
- H7N9 outbreak linked to waterfowl migration
- Dozens feared dead in Texas plant blast
- Venezuelan court rules out manual votes counting
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
American abroad |
Industry savior: Big boys' toys |
New commissioner
|
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
TCM - Keeping healthy in Chinese way |
Poultry industry under pressure |
Today's Top News
Boston bombing suspect reported cornered on boat
7.0-magnitude quake hits Sichuan
Cross-talk artist helps to spread the word
'Green' awareness levels drop in Beijing
Palace Museum spruces up
First couple on Time's list of most influential
H7N9 flu transmission studied
Trading channels 'need to broaden'
US Weekly
Beyond Yao
|
Money power |