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Li Na, taking on an official position?

2011-07-07 10:38    Ecns.cn     Web Editor: Li Heng
Li Na wore a stylish black and white dress to the 2011 French Open victory celebration held in Beijing on July 5. [Photo/CFP]

Li Na wore a stylish black and white dress to the 2011 French Open victory celebration held in Beijing on July 5. [Photo/CFP]

Beijing (CNS)--Li Na attended a victory celebration organized by the Women's Tennis Association on the 5th. Recent reports have been circulating that she will take a position as deputy director of the Hubei Provincial Tennis Administration Center. "I have also heard this. Don't take it seriously, though. My only and constant goal has been to take care of my husband Jiangshan and become his housewife when I quit competing," said Li Na.

During the celebration, Li not only interacted with her fans for an hour, but also kindly took part in an interview that lasted nearly an hour, with media from home and abroad. It was the first of its kind since her home coming.

Media, including those in her hometown, were rejected up to now because she came back to relax and rest. Today she made an exception. "Feel free to ask," said Li frankly to the journalists.

After winning the French Open, various rumors have been flooding the internet, such as pregnancy, taking an official position, or retirement. She doesn't give much thought to these reports and keeps her concentration on her tennis career and personal life.

As for the game plan in the second half of the year, she emphasizes the US Open and China Open the most. "Especially at the US Open; I expect a lot at this Grand Slam."

Her firmness on the court contrasts her emotions in real life. In tears, she attributes her success to her predecessors. "It is their efforts that have been so inspiring to me on the way to today's glories."

"It just so happened that I gained these achievements," Li says. "I become a little anxious every time I think about how I actually achieved a long-held dream of the Chinese tennis cause, because there were many talented players before me. I am just the lucky one."

Li believes she was just lucky enough to appear at the right juncture of Chinese tennis. As the "chosen" one, she hopes to become an example to inspire participation from the younger generation. "It is the exact scene the tennis family would love to witness, that children are convinced of their opportunity and capacity in the sport by my victory," she said.