Li insists China has a long way to go yet
While China might dominate the women's game in Asia, top mainland player Li Na believes they still have a long way to go before they can be considered a significant force on the world stage - particularly on the men's circuit.
'Tennis is still a developing sport in the country, but with more and more youngsters coming through the ranks and getting more playing opportunities overseas, we are certainly able to improve on the world stage,' said Li, who ranks 23rd in the world.
Li and compatriot Peng Shuai were in town yesterday for an exhibition match with Hong Kong men's players, Yu Hiu-tung and Goran Bosalevski. The 26-year-old reached the women's singles quarter-finals at the Beijing Olympics, and also confirmed her highest Asian year-end world ranking by reaching the semi-finals at the Luxembourg Championships last week.
Zheng Jie, another fast improving player, won a bronze medal in the women's doubles with partner Yan Zi at the Beijing Games, and reached the semi-finals this year at Wimbledon. Zheng is tipped to come to Hong Kong in January for the JB Group Classic 2009 as part of the Asia Pacific team.
Zheng is ranked 25th in the world, while Peng is 39th.
With these international successes in 2008, China have already replaced Japan as the top Asian country in women's tennis. But Li admitted they still needed much to put in more hard work, especially their men.
'Our women's players are doing quite well this year, but when we measure a country's standard, we should measure the men's results as well,' said Li. 'But at this stage, our men's players are still learning on the international scene and need to improve.'
Despite her age, Li said she had never considered retirement. 'It all depends on my physical condition. If I find my body cannot handle the demands of the tour, I will definitely quit, but certainly not at the moment as I am still fit and my mind is still fresh,' she said.
While Li is looking forward to a better 2009 with a higher world ranking, the Hubei player has also set her sights on the National Games in Shandong next October.
'The National Games is top of my agenda as I have to contribute to the Hubei team since our team do not have many top players,' said Li, who once stopped playing for two years for studies and only returned to the court after repeated requests made by the Hubei team to play for them at the last National Games in 2005.
'I would even drop international competitions to make way for the National Games as it is an important event for me.'
