Chinese tennis chief Sun Jinfang on Saturday gave thumbs up to a record-breaking Li Na and expected the 29-year-old veteran to inspire a greater future for Chinese tennis.
When Schiavone kissed the women's singles trophy at Roland Garros last year, becoming the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam title, Li Na said: "If she can do that, maybe I can do that too."
She made it yesterday. COMMENTS
An inspiration for young Chinese
Li Na sets sight on Wimbledon
Dirk Nowitzki scored the go-ahead layup with 3.6 seconds left as the Dallas Mavericks roared back from 15 points down in the fourth quarter to beat the Miami Heat 95-93 on Thursday and level the NBA finals at one game apiece.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle praised German giant Dirk Nowitzki for playing through the pain barrier.
As Maria Sharapova prepared to serve while only a point from defeat in the French Open semifinals, Li Na was thinking what any opponent would at that precise moment.
China's Li Na carried the hopes of a continent into the French Open final as she blew away Maria Sharapova's dream of a career grand slam to set up a Roland Garros showdown with holder Francesca Schiavone on Thursday.
London 2012 officials say construction on public transport to the Olympic Park site has been completed, more than a year ahead of the Summer Games.
Francesca Schiavone compared herself to a fine Italian wine improving with age after the defending champion ended French hopes of Roland Garros glory with a semi-final win over Marion Bartoli on Thursday.
Disgraced Olympic sprint champion Justin Gatlin will remain barred from major European races despite being invited to this weekend's Diamond League meeting in the United States, European officials told Reuters on Thursday.
His ankle is hurting and his next opponent is Rafael Nadal.
Li Na said she had surprised herself after becoming the first Chinese player to reach the last four in singles at Roland Garros on Wednesday.
Shaquille O'Neal, who struggled to get on the court for the Boston Celtics because of leg injuries, said on Twitter on Wednesday that he is going to retire after a 19-year career in which he won four NBA titles and the 2000 league Most Valuable Player award.