ITF president expects Li Na to have hunger inside her

Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of the International Tennis Federation, said on Thursday that Chinese star Li Na still has what it takes to win but she has to have the hunger inside her.

"Of course, Li Na can still perform at the highest level of her game. She is still ranked two in the world and a great talent. We have more and more examples of players who continue at the professional circuit to have outstanding results into their 30s. Serena Williams at 33 is still number 1 in the world. Flavia Penetta is ranked 14 at 32 years," said Bitti, who is visiting the Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province.

"What is important is to know if she has the hunger inside her. She has to want it."

At the age of 32, Li won Australian Open title at the beginning of the season, but suffered early exits at both French Open and Wimbledon. After the humiliating loss at the Wimbledon, her godfather-like coach Carlos Rodriguez left her, adding more salt to the wound.

Li, who has been forced to skip the US Open citing a longtime injury in her knee, is likely to quit the sport in the next few seasons, but Bitti is upbeat that China is able to produce more stars.

"Although the players of the calibre of Li Na are rare, China can create the climate to develop more outstanding players by having enough courts available, by having quality coaching and by hosting tournaments at the junior, entry level and professional level. It is great to have top tournaments but, without the base, it is hard to grow talent in your own country."

Bitti also expects China could groom star male players. He said: "There are probably several factors to take into consideration. There are some talented players who have moved very quickly to around the 300 ATP mark such as Wu Di or Zhang Ze but, in order to progress beyond that point, a variety of factors need to occur.

"First, as we said earlier about Li Na, you have to want it. Becoming a top level professional requires skill and determination and also a bit of luck. Players also need to get more international experience with competitions outside China. Language can be a barrier for some coaches and players and they don't have the confidence to compete internationally in other parts of Asia, Australia or in Europe.

"Without that experience, it can be very difficult to progress so players need to be encouraged to take that step. There is no reason why there can't be a top male player in China in the future and I believe it will happen."