People across China are still reveling in Chinese tennis champion Li Na’s victory Saturday at the French Open. After becoming the first Asian woman to win a Grand Slam tournament, Chinese online discussion groups turned to analyzing her decision three years ago to leave behind the state-sponsored sports program and train on her own.
As Li won the French Open on live television, Chinese sports announcers during the late-night broadcast were jubilant. Her picture graced the front pages of most Chinese newspapers Sunday, and by Monday, discussion had turned to analyzing the training that led her to victory.
Pros and cons
Tennis coach Wang Jun, who organizes a competitive tennis league in Beijing and runs an Internet site devoted to tennis, says he has seen many online comments saying Li was only able to win a major tennis tournament after she left the state-run sports administration in 2008. He says that kind of characterization is unfair.
Wang says he thinks the reason Li was able to win the French Open is precisely because of her participation in the state system, not in spite of it. He says the state’s investment provided better conditions that helped Li advance on the road to victory.
State-run sports
Back to China?
At a meeting with reporters after winning the French Grand Slam tournament, Li said she is not planning to return to China until after Wimbledon, which is in London later this month.
“I didn’t have time [to go] back to China right now," Li explained. "I will [go] back to China after Wimbledon. So, if I didn’t do well at Wimbledon, maybe people forget me already.This is a tough time.”
Athletic power
As China grows economically, its profile as a world athletic power is also rising. Tennis coach Wang points out that Chinese athletes won the most gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Wang says although China won 51 gold medals, many people in China do not remember who won for which event. But, he is certain that in the case of Li Na, people will remember her name.
Wang says whatever happens to Li in the future, her career will be even more closely watched and hotly debated. He adds that her victory also will influence the development of tennis in China, and encourage many more Chinese to pick up a racket.
