Li Na: I am under no pressure at all – Tennis News
Chinese number one, Li Na, will commence her title defence in Paris on Monday against the Romanian beauty queen, Sorana Cirstea. She has been handed one of the toughest draw in the women’s category. However, she is up against the
same girl who lost to her in straight sets last year in French Open but Cirstea has groomed and will be a major threat to the Li’s title defence.
There is no pressure at all on the Chinese contender who will be defending her two thousand points on the red dirt of Paris. She stated, “The worst thing is that there are so many people, who say ‘She has the pressure, she is the
defending champion. But I would like to tell the truth, I am not young anymore, I am 30 already. I don’t know how many years I can still play. I have to listen to my body and see how it feels. I really do not think about ‘Oh, right now I have to defend those
points and this title.’ I just really want to enjoy playing on the court, in front of the fans.”
It is good to know that she is feeling no pressure at all but deep in the heart every players has some concerns about their game play, especially when they are not the hot favourite to defend the title. Likes of the former world
number ones, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams, are in stunning run of form and they are the leading contenders for the title, with the Belarusian world number one, Victoria Azarenka, looking to bag her second Grand Slam on the trot and build a stronghold
of the throne.
Last year was different. Li was the underdog and she had nothing to lose at all. However, this year is different. She is out there defending her position in the Top-10 ranks of the world. Even if she says that she is absolutely
fine and will play her natural game; everyone knows that she will be in the spotlight and anything she does will affect her fans across the continent of Asia. She carries their hopes and expectations especially after becoming the first ever Asian to win a
singles Grand Slam contest.
All eyes are on the 30-year-old Chinese. Her test begins soon, so everyone will know how much to expect from the little mistress. She has the ability to defy all the odds and retain the title but that campaign will require immense
hard work and strong willpower.
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