Tennis Update: Li Na warns the home crowd not to expect too much
A cautious tennis player from China has warned the local fans not to expect too much from the country’s top contender at the upcoming China Open competition on Friday.
The 28-year-old Chinese who is currently ranked number twelve in the world by the Women Tennis Professionals will not risk injury by putting herself under extra pressure at the championship that will end on October 10th.
Li was of the view that she will definitely try her level best to play well, however, the tennis star is not sure about her fitness and health at the moment.
"I will try my best to go as far as possible, but I will not set any goal for myself. I do not need pressure. I still need to compete in the Asian Games at the end of the year. To fight for my country is of great honour and importance to me,” said the only
seeded Chinese contender, Li Na on Friday.
Her relaxed attitude might worry expectant local fans after she jumped into the WTA top ten on the very first occasion earlier this year during the month of January, prior to her early departure at the season’s final Grand Slam, the United States Open in
New York, and her withdrawal from previous week's Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo that also led to a drop down in the list.
"I will not press myself too much to secure the top ten ranking. I am not young any more. I can no longer take the harsh training and intensive play without being concerned about my physical condition. Enjoying tennis is more important for me,” added the
leading female tennis star of Asia.
However, pressure has been increasing on Li to carry home expectations at the showcase National Tennis Centre in Beijing after her compatriot player Zheng Jie pulled out of the China Open as a result of injury.
Earlier in the week, the United States Open winner Kim Clijsters made an announcement that she would miss the event after having moles surgically removed from her foot.
The $4.5 million competition is headlined by second ranked Dane, Caroline Wozniacki and world number four Venus Williams from the United States of America.
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