China's two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na is set to receive a Hall of Fame award following the debut of the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) in China during the ongoing China Open tournament in Beijing.
Li, who won the 2011 French Open in 2011 and the 2014 Australian Open, retired from professional life in 2014 and has not appeared during the Asian leg of the ongoing WTA Tour as the 34-year-old and her husband, Jiang Shan, are expecting their second child, according to news portal China.org.cn
Despite her absence, Li's victories at the French and Australian Open have led to a surge in public interest for tennis in China, prompting ITHF organizers to bequeath her a place in the Hall of Fame.
Dianne Hayes, vice-president of International Affairs for the ITHF, said Li's nomination is not a surprise given her achievements.
"She [Li] is such a global icon. Her results as a professional are remarkable. She's made such a difference in the world and she is obviously so well respected in this country and throughout the world for her accomplishments," Hayes said. "Presently there are not any Chinese inductees, but we certainly anticipate that will change in the future. Hall of Famers are inducted five years after they retire from the sport."
Established in 1954, the ITHF is a non-profit organization that "preserves and promotes the history of tennis and celebrates its champions," according to its official website.
Based in Newport, Rhode Island, the ITHF features an extensive museum showcasing the history of the sport as well as honoring 247 Hall of Famers from 23 countries.
The ITHF is in China to coincide with the China Open. It hosted a coaching clinic on Sunday for 25 Chinese junior players, who practiced alongside Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis.
The ITHF will also introduce a traveling exhibit next year that follows major tournaments in China to be visited by local champions and Hall of Famers to raise awareness of the organization, Hayes said.
"Today's programs were the first of more we intend to do here in China. We know that Chinese players and fans are very interested in growing tennis and have a great appreciation for history and we look forward to working with you all to preserve and promote the history of our sport in the future," she said.