Paris, June 5 (ANI): Chinese tennis chief Sun Jinfang expects that Li Na's victory in French Open would inspire a greater future for tennis in the country.
Li Na became the first Chinese and Asian player to win a Grand Slam singles title, defeating Francesca Schiavone 6-4, 7-6 (0) at the French Open.
"This win is truly a breakthrough in a sport that has been dominated mainly by players from Europe, Australia and the Americas. It is a massive source of pride for all the Asians and it can serve as a great milestone for the development of Chinese tennis," the Xinhua quoted Sun, as saying.
Jinfang hoped Li Na's victory would re-evaluate the sport and inspire more youngsters to play tennis.
Sun compared Li to the likes of Houston Rockets center Yao Ming and Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang, who are Chinese legendary athletes.
Li had finished runner-up to Kim Clijsters at the Australian Open this year.
By winning French Open and having finished runner-up to Kim Clijsters at the Australian Open, Li has demonstrated that Chinese players can also have a share of glory in the tennis world.
Though Li's victory was the fourth at a Grand Slam for China, it was most pivotal for the sports-crazy nation and will act as an impetus to the growing popularity of tennis. (ANI)
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