Just a matter of time for next Asian superstar to emerge in women's tennis, says the WTA
Li Na's reign is over but the governing body of women's tennis says it is providing a platform for talented youngsters
The stars were pretty much aligned for the WTA as Li Na made her charge up the world rankings.
The organisation had invested heavily in the Asia-Pacific, setting up an office in Beijing in 2008 and had begun drawing up a roll-out plan for tournaments. And then Li's now-famous late bloom began and she won two grand slam singles titles and reached world No 2 between the ages of 29 and 32.
We set up the infrastructure and lay foundations, so we are ready when a star emerges
Work hard enough, for long enough, and the rewards of life will come your way, it seemed to tell us.
Problem is, time eventually caught up with the Chinese star, along with injuries and a desire to experience a little more of life alongside her husband and one-time coach Jiang Shan, and the plug was pulled on her career as she succumbed to long-term knee troubles.
It's been over 12 months since Li fired a shot in anger and Asia's fortunes in the women's side of the game currently lie with Zheng Saisai, ranked No 65 and a player who has - so far at least - been rated more on promise than actual performance.
Rather than panic, though, the WTA is pointing to the positives. Around 40 per cent of its tournaments are now in the region - the Chinese market alone has been expanded from two events in 2008 to eight planned annually by next year.