Earning international headlines for pulling Li out of her career dip, Rodriguez said the Chinese player's performance in Australia was pleasing, the loss in the final notwithstanding.

"When you (the spectators) go out there, you will be so excited for her," said the softly spoken Argentinian after the final. "The biggest positive is that she can compete against the world's best players and can still make a lot of progress in terms of managing herself on court. Now, we can find solutions for next time to handle that. There are a lot of improvements to make. It's been a wonderful tournament."

Although she sobbed because she was unable to claim the title as a seventh-wedding anniversary (on Sunday) gift for her husband Jiang Shan, Li said she's learned to be positive.

"At least I saw myself regaining my form. I am still hungry for titles. I tried my best (to win the trophy for Jiang), so I can forgive myself," she said.

With Li reaching the sport's highest level once again, tennis will gain another boost in China, according to Steve Ayles, commercial director of Tennis Australia.

"I think it will be very helpful (in promoting tennis in China), because she's so popular and so successful already. There will be another surge of interest. What she does fantastically well is she actually gives belief to the next generation of Chinese players about what you can achieve with the commitment, the passion and the hunger. It proves to other Asian players (that) if you dream you can achieve," he said.

Talent pool deepens

Led by Li and two other highly ranked women players, Zheng Jie and Peng Shuai, China sent its largest-ever contingent of 14 players (including main-draw players, qualifiers and juniors) to Melbourne, marking a deepening of the country's talent pool.

Meanwhile, more is expected because the combined efforts of the governing body in China and private investors have paid off in terms of grassroots development.

Li reached the semifinals at the Beijing Olympics on Aug 14, 2008. [Photo/Xinhua]