Players at Hong Kong Open looked tired, should manage their schedules better, says Li Na
Two-time grand slam champion also says she blesses ‘all Chinese players’ but declines to tell them how to play or to behave on the circuit
Li Na has suggested that players at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open last week were fatigued and could reach greater heights if they are better at selecting their competitions.
Speaking to the media hours before Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese player to make it out of the group stage of the WTA Finals since Li in 2013, the retired two-time grand slam winner declined to offer her any tips for the tournament.
On Wednesday, world No 7 Zheng beat Jasmine Paolini 6-1, 6-1 in Riyadh, and while the Olympic champion said she was proud to be the first Chinese person in 11 years to do it, Li brushed aside questions that referred to her.
“I’ve been retired for 10 years,” Li said when asked if she had any suggestions for Zheng.
“I will bless all Chinese players or tennis players because every player starts competing from the first week of every year and now it’s November and the last competition is nearly over.”
When asked specifically if any Chinese players at the Hong Kong Open, of which Li was the tournament director, had left an impression on her, she dodged mentioning any by name but instead said “all athletes were rather fatigued”.
