December 17, 2011
Sampras, Moya, Lisicki Join Li Na for Exhibition Tournament in China
By Romana Cvitkovic
2011 Roland Garros champion Li Na received a hero's welcome in her hometown of Wuhan, kicking off a two-day exhibition tournament on December 17, 2011 called "Li Na and Friends." The festivities also feature 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras and former world number 1 Carlos Moya, as well as 2011 Wimbledon semifinalist and WTA Comeback Player of the Year Sabine Lisicki. The event gave fans a chance to celebrate Li Na's historic Grand Slam victory and brought tennis to a quickly-growing market in China.
Li's slump since winning Roland Garros in June seems to have ended as she looked to be in better form this weekend after a month-long training camp in Germany.
"I trained quite solidly and effectively in Germany. I feel much better now compared with the past several months. But how good my form is, I think it will be tested at this tournament … I just want to relax my nerves after the Germany trip. It's a feedback event for my home fans," Li said after being greeted at the Wuhan Tianhe airport by a cheering home crowd.
The 29-year-old was also nominated for the Laureus "Breakthrough Player of the Year" award on Thursday showing just how far the veteran has come not only in tennis, but in the international world of sports.
The first day of the exhibition featured a square off between Li and Lisicki followed by mixed doubles with Li teaming up with Sampras and Lisicki pairing with Moya. On Sunday, the men will take court for their singles match followed by a reverse mixed doubles match.
After fighting off two match points to defeat Li at this year's Wimbledon 3-6, 6-4, 8-6, Germany's Lisicki again praised Li's mark on tennis.
"I am delighted to have been included in the "Li Na and Friends" event. Li Na and I had one of the best quality matches of Wimbledon 2011 and it is always a pleasure to play a champion --- especially a reigning Grand Slam Champion like Li Na who is so friendly and professional, something all of China should be very proud of," said the 22-year-old.
After growing up watching Sampras on TV, Li shared how starstruck she was upon meeting one of her idols.
"I always admired his skills and play, but only saw him on TV. But during the China Open this year, I met him for the first time outside the locker room, and he said 'Hi, Li Na, I am Sampras. Congratulations for the French Open championship,'" said Li. "After he was gone, I had to ask myself, 'Did that really just happen?'"
Likewise, Sampras reciprocated the feelings of mutual respect.
"It's good to be back," said Sampras, referring to his third trip to China in three months. "I'm a friend of Li Na now, which is a great honour for me."