Смотрите пресс-конференцию Ли На - ЛАЙВ!
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"First of all, thank you for coming here," Li opened.
"I’m very happy to meet you here. I’d like to thank the China Open for providing me this place to share my thoughts and feelings, and so that I have this opportunity to say goodbye to all of you."
The first question was about Li’s decision to retire.
"My left knee issue dates back to March," she said. "I was thinking about retirement at that time. After the surgery in July I was trying very hard to come back, because it’s the first time my hometown of Wuhan has held a big tournament like the one this week. But having surgery for the fourth time is totally different than the first time, and with my age and problems with my body - it was a tough decision, but I think it’s time to say goodbye. I don’t think I can compete at the top level anymore."
She was also asked about her next steps, including the Li Na Tennis Academy.
"Tennis is what I’ve loved throughout my life, so I want to help children and the next generation in tennis. Right now we’ve contacted some schools. As for a specific time, we’ll wait and see.
"I will try my best to help tennis in China," she added. "I really want to help children in tennis through my academy. I also want to help HIV-affected children and underprivileged children."
And more immediately? "As a professional tennis player, it’s a luxury to spend time with your family. All these years I felt sad that I couldn’t spend time with my friends, family and husband, especially on holidays. So I will take a rest, maybe for two months, and just be there with my family."
Li was also asked about the growth of tennis in China, and whether another Li will come along.
"I feel optimistic about China’s tennis development. You can see at least 10 tournaments are held in China now. In the past there were only one or two. And as for young players coming up, they have so many more opportunities to play against the top-level players now. They can fight against them.
"And as for my successor... keep an eye out, they’ll be coming, even better than Li Na."
Li wasn’t just Asia’s first Grand Slam champion, winning the 2011 French Open and 2014 Australian Open, she was also Asia’s highest-ranked player in tennis history, male or female, making it all the way to No.2 in the world earlier this year. She transformed the sport in China, Asia and across the world, and was also one of the most beloved players on the tour - see just how beloved here.