Li Na

Li Na is a Chinese former professional tennis player recognized for her significant impact on the global tennis landscape and the growth of the sport in Asia. Li won nine WTA Tour-level singles titles, including two major championships at the French Open and the Australian Open. She became the first major singles champion born in Asia, male or female, and was the first Chinese player to win a WTA Tour title, reach a major singles quarterfinal, and break into the world's top 10. Li was ranked world No. 2 in women's singles by the Women's Tennis Association.

Li turned professional and initially competed on the ITF Circuit before pausing her career to pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. She later left the national team and the state-run sports system under a reform policy known as Fly Solo, which allowed her to hire her own coaching staff and manage her training and tour expenses independently. This shift enabled Li to achieve greater success on the international tennis stage.

A defining moment in Li's career occurred at Roland Garros, where she secured the French Open title by defeating several top-ranked players, culminating in a victory over defending champion Francesca Schiavone. This achievement made her the first Chinese national to win a Grand Slam singles title. Li also became the first Asian Australian Open champion and the fourth woman to win the title after saving match points. Her influence extended beyond the court, as she was named to the Time Magazine Top 100 Most Influential People in the World list, highlighting her role in elevating tennis in China and globally.

Li's contributions have been instrumental in the rapid expansion of tennis in China, with millions of new players and a significant increase in WTA events in the country. Her life and career were depicted in a biopic directed by Peter Chan and based on her autobiography. After retiring due to knee injuries, Li served as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics and was appointed tournament director of the Hong Kong Tennis Open, a WTA 250 event.

Li's legacy was further solidified with her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, making her the first Asian-born player to receive this honor. She also received the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award and was elected to the Laureus Academy. Known for her powerful groundstrokes, competitive spirit, and wit, Li remains a prominent figure in tennis history and continues to influence the sport's development in China and worldwide.