It’s Li Na’s evening in Paris [Firstpost]

History making indeed – The significance of June 4th in China now has a new layer of meaning. With Li Na comes Asia and China’s first-ever (male or female) grand slam winner. Li Na rises from 7th to 4th place on the WTA rankings. And from Xinhua and China Daily… Li Na wins it all at Roland Garos (China Daily, June 4, 2011). From Singapore’s AsiaOne (reuters report) – China’s ‘Golden Flower ‘Li stuns fans back home (AsiaOne, June 5, 2011). The Age (AFP report) from Australia – Li Na first Chinese to win Grand Slam singles title (The Age, June 5, 2011)

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It’s Li Na’s evening in Paris
by Anupama Bagri
Source – Firstpost Sports, published June 4, 2011

Photo – Reuters. Li Na displayed brute power and brilliant footwork against Francesca Schiavone in the French Open final on Saturday.

June 4 is a red-letter day in China’s history. But post Saturday, it won’t be just about marking the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Much like the students’ movement which promised a revolutionary change in the established order, Li Na’s emergence as the first Asian — male or female — to ever win a Grand Slam singles title promises a tennis revolution in the nation.

Li, who had lost the Australian Open final to Kim Clijsters this January, displayed brute power and brilliant footwork in her 6-4, 7-6 (0) upset win over defending champion Francesca Schiavone in the French Open final.

“Li played really well. I couldn’t push her today. It was a close match and she deserved to win. Enjoy this moment, its fantastic,” said a gracious Schiavone at the presentation ceremony. “It’s been a great tournament for me too. To kiss the clay everyday came from my heart,” added the world’s fifth ranked player.

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