China’s Li Na, Asia’s only grand slam singles champion, announced her retirement from tennis earlier today, citing the effect of long-term injuries, especially her knees.
“It has been a difficult year, and I have had to face a lot of things, such as making the decision to end my professional tennis career,” Li said in a statement.
The 32-year-old won the 2011 French Open and this year’s Australian Open, she said it was the right time to leave the court.
“As a professional tennis player, leaving the field of competition at this moment is for me the correct decision,” she added.
The pain in her right knee had become hard to deal with, Li said.
“Competition is fierce in the sport of tennis, and requires athletes to be at their best. As for me, I can no longer get back to being 100 percent,” she added.
The Chinese Tennis Association, in a statement released by the official Xinhua news agency, said it respected her decision and wished her the best.
