Blazing their own trail: Hong Kong Tennis Open-bound duo Wang Qiang and Zheng Saisai undaunted by Li Na legacy
The Chinese pair are set to line-up at the Victoria Park tournament next month alongside the likes of new world number one Angelique Kerber and a resurgent Caroline Wozniacki
The next generation of Chinese women’s tennis talent is determined to blaze its own trail and not become preoccupied with reaching the high standards set by the most successful of their number, Li Na.
Wang Qiang and Zheng Saisai, China’s number two and three respectively, will compete at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open in October and say they are happy to work hard and let their destiny take care of itself.
Perhaps that is wise when faced with a legacy like that of Li. In an era of incredible players she managed to make an indelible mark on the game after claiming two grand slam victories in France and Australia.
She spent six years ranked inside the top 20 in the world, including 25 weeks at a career high ranking of number two, and secured nine singles titles on the WTA tour. And all of this while becoming one of the most popular figures on the circuit.
Hers are big shoes to fill, but China’s next generation doesn’t feel the pressure.