Li Na 'most influential player of the decade', says former great Chris Evert
Winner of 18 grand slam titles says the China star has had a huge global impact in boosting the game
Li Na is destined for more grand slams and a place in the Hall of Fame after the Australian Open win cemented her position as the most influential female player of the last decade, says former great Chris Evert.
Li's final victory over Slovak Dominika Cibulkova on Saturday gave her a second major following her 2011 French Open title, a triumph that made her Asia's first singles grand slam champion.
Evert, the winner of 18 grand slam titles, joined WTA Tour chief Stacey Allaster in hailing the China star's achievements at a promotional event for the end of year championships in Singapore and women's tennis in Asia.
Something would be wrong if she didn't get into the tennis Hall of Fame
"Yeah, I'd vote for her," Evert said when asked if Li was worthy of a place alongside her in the Hall of Fame. "It's not only about winning grand slams, it's about the influence that you have in tennis.
"Look at her, as Stacey said she is the most influential women's tennis player in the last 10 years, with what she has done for global tennis, so absolutely 100 per cent. Something would be wrong if she didn't get into the tennis Hall of Fame."
The 31-year-old clubbed her way past first-time finalist Cibulkova to help erase the memories of two previous failures in Melbourne Park finals.
The Wuhan native, who moved up one place to world No 3 in the rankings courtesy of her victory, saved match points in her third-round victory in Australia over Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic before finding her feet.