Li Na Announces Retirement from Professional Tennis: Latest Comments, Reaction

Citing the continued erosion of her ailing knees, two-time Grand Slam winner Li Na announced her retirement from professional tennis in a lengthy statement released on her official Facebook page.

"Representing China on the tennis court was an extraordinary privilege and a true honor," Li wrote. "Having the unique opportunity to effectively bring more attention to the sport of tennis in China and all over Asia is something I will cherish forever. But in sport, just like in life, all great things must come to an end."

Li, 32, has not played in a professional tournament due to knee injuries since her third-round loss to Barbora Zahlavova Strycova at Wimbledon 2014. The former world No. 2 underwent surgery on her knee in July 2014 to clean up damage and said she hoped to be back for the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open, held in her hometown in September, but was unable to recover the way she had in the past.

"As hard as I tried to get back to being 100 percent, my body kept telling me that, at 32, I will not be able to compete at the top level ever again," Li wrote. "The sport is just too competitive, too good, to not be 100 percent."

Pavel Golovkin/Associated Press

The problems with Li's knees date back to 2008 and have stripped her of part of her prime. She's missed time on multiple occasions for surgeries, the most recent being her fourth. Black tape on her knee at times became just as much a trademark as her backhand. 

While the previous times the issues cropped up mainly in her right knee, Li's surgery in July was on her left—a sign that her body was beginning to break down.

For as many physical problems as she had, Li remained one of the most consistent and well-regarded players on tour when healthy. She's won nine career WTA championships and two Grand Slams, most recently at the 2014 Australian Open. Li took advantage of a tournament filled with upsets to defeat Dominika Cibulkova for the title, atoning for two previous losses in the Australian final.

The win in Melbourne helped move Li to her career-high ranking of No. 2. Despite sitting out nearly the last two full months, Li remains No. 6 at the time of her retirement. 

Rick Rycroft/Associated Press

In 2011, she became the first Chinese Grand Slam champion in history after taking the French Open. Her win in Paris was, for many reasons, a landmark moment for the sport and Li, who took down Maria Sharapova and defending champion Francesca Schiavone to earn her first major triumph.

The other most notable Slam performance in her career came at last year's U.S. Open, where she was eliminated in the semifinals by eventual champion Serena Williams.

"I’ve succeeded on the global stage in a sport that a few years ago was in its infancy in China," Li wrote. "What I’ve accomplished for myself is beyond my wildest dreams. What I accomplished for my country is one of my most proud achievements."

Li's rise up the women's ranks has coincided with the game's rise in the country. There are 10 WTA events in China this season after the sport failed to grow for years in the rising international power. Li indicated she plans on continuing to work to expand tennis in China in her retirement.

Based on the countless successes she's had on the court, one has a hard time betting against her off it.

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