Chinese star Li Na has received widespread national acclaim after her historic French Open success.
Li became the first Asian player to lift a Grand Slam singles title with a 6-4 7-6 win over Italy's Francesca Schiavone at Roland Garros.
Victory was a personal redemption for the 29-year-old after defeat to Kim Clijsters in January's Australian Open final stalled her bid to enter the record books.
But success in her second attempt has captured the hearts of an entire country, where national glory and sporting feats are closely entwined.
Chinese state media and sporting officials have lauded Li's achievements, while it is thought 95 million television viewers tuned in to watch the final.
Now the triumph is expected to act as a catalyst for the growth of tennis in China.
Chinese star Li Na success
Chinese star Li Na success
Chinese star Li Na success
Chinese star Li Na success
Chinese star Li Na success
Li became the first Asian player to lift a Grand Slam singles title with a 6-4 7-6 win over Italy's Francesca Schiavone at Roland Garros.
Victory was a personal redemption for the 29-year-old after defeat to Kim Clijsters in January's Australian Open final stalled her bid to enter the record books.
But success in her second attempt has captured the hearts of an entire country, where national glory and sporting feats are closely entwined.
Chinese state media and sporting officials have lauded Li's achievements, while it is thought 95 million television viewers tuned in to watch the final.
Now the triumph is expected to act as a catalyst for the growth of tennis in China.
