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By Erik Gudris | Sunday, September 21, 2014

 
Li Na Beijing

China's Li Na shed a few tears but managed smiles as well during a Beijing press conference where she explained her retirement decision.

Photo Credit: Getty

China's Li Na shed a few tears but managed to conclude with a smile during a packed press conference held at the China Open in Beijing.

Just days after announcing her retirement, the 32-year-old spoke about her decision that came about after having surgery on her left knee this summer.

"After the surgery in July, I tried very hard to recover, hoping I can make it to participate in tennis matches in China especially the Wuhan Tennis Open which is the first ever big tennis match in my hometown," Li said. "However, this is my fourth big surgery, and with my age and physical state, it is hard for me."

Ultimately, despite the tears, Li said she had no regrets after a remarkable career.

"I feel this is the best time for me to retire. I don't feel sorry or have any regrets about retiring," Li said in Beijing. "When I was making this decision I asked myself, 'If I retire, will I regret it?' My heart told me I wouldn't, because I've done my best."

Li, who played her last match at Wimbledon in a third round loss, withdrew from all summer hard court events including the US Open.

"This is a tough decision to make for me, even harder than playing the Grand Slam matches. But I think this is about the right time to say goodbye to everyone, because my body doesn't allow me to participate in any high-level tennis matches."

Li, having won two Grand Slam singles titles including this year's Australian Open, became a tennis pioneer in her country and throughout Asia. Li, who was the first Asian tennis player, man or woman, to win a Grand Slam title, now wants to focus on continuing to grow the sport.

"What I really want to do now is try to set up a tennis school of my own and do basic things to help build up the base for Chinese tennis," Li said. "Like a pyramid, I believe only with a solid base, Chinese tennis can have a better future."

 

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