Ten years after her historic Australian Open victory, Li Na is returning to Melbourne to compete in the Australian Open Legends tournament.
As the first Asian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title, Li attracted millions of new followers to tennis and inspired a generation of young players across China. A shining example of her legacy is the match at Rod Laver Arena today between two stars of Chinese tennis, No.12 seeded Zheng Qinwen and 94-ranked Wang Yafan, to be followed by Chinese wildcard Shang Juncheng against Carlos Alcaraz.
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“Li Na is a hugely popular Australian Open champion and her historic win in 2014 will always have a very special place in the history of our sport,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“We are delighted to welcome Li Na back to Melbourne and I have no doubt fans will flock to see her, and all our legends, in action on the outside courts from Sunday.”
The 12-strong star-studded Australian Open Legends line-up for 2024 includes Australian Open 2002 champion Thomas Johansson, Roland Garros 1997 winner Iva Majoli former world number two Tommy Haas, alongside popular Australians Alicia Molik, Casey Dellacqua and Mark Philippoussis.
Marcos Baghdatis who thrilled fans in 2006 with his flamboyant play that took him all the way to the final of the Australian Open against Roger Federer is back, as is former top-10 in both singles and doubles Daniela Hantuchova, former world No.9 Andrea Petkovic, former world No.8 Radek Stepanek, and Australian Open 2014 doubles champion Robert Lindstedt.
The Australian Open Legends event will take place on the outside courts from Sunday 21 January – Thursday 25 January.