The client of Chinanews.com, June 4th. In the "Top 100 Player Revenue Rankings TOP100" published by Forbes magazine in the United States a few days ago, Federer beat Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, James, Woods and other sports superstars for years. Over US$100 million occupied the top of the list.
Screenshot from Forbes official website
A total of 3 people from Asia entered the TOP100 this year, with Japan occupying two seats, namely Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori. Among them, only 22-year-old Naomi Osaka is not only the most profitable female athlete in the past year, but her $37.4 million entry also refreshed the annual income record of female athletes.
Although the ability to absorb gold is not equivalent to the performance in the field, it also reflects the appeal of players in other dimensions from other dimensions. However, in this year's list, the number of Chinese athletes is zero.
When you see Federer, Naomi Osaka, and Kei Nishikori all leading the way, and see the huge influence of tennis on the income list, do you also think of a familiar name?
Data map: Li Na in the game
That's right, Li Na.
As you think, Li Na is not only the highest peak of Chinese female players, she is also one of the only four female generals whose annual income has exceeded US$20 million since the list came out in 1998. In addition to Li Na, the other three are also from tennis-Sharapova, Williams Jr. and Naomi Osaka this year.
In the era of players, Li Na is not only an iconic figure in Chinese sports, but also a synonym for Asian tennis. And all this began with the heavy Susan Langlang Cup.
Today, 9 years ago, Li Na zeroed in the French Open final with defending champion Sziavoni, writing a formidable stroke for Asian sports.
Over the years, perhaps Li Na’s winning history has gradually been forgotten, but she celebrated on the ground after winning the finals, the white clay shirt covered with red clay, and the special meaning of the Grand Slam championship, but was polished by time. Yaxin.
When Susan Lange Cup was held high above his head, Li Na opened a new era of Asian tennis.
Data picture: Li Na won the 2014 Australian Open Women's Singles Championship.
In more than ten years of career, Li Na has won a total of 9 WTA singles titles, including two heavy Grand Slam titles. After winning the French Open in 2011 and becoming the first Grand Slam singles champion in Asia, Li Na won the Australian Open in 2014, ranking second in the world at the peak of her career.
In those years, Li Na kept creating new records, rewriting the history of Asian tennis time and time again. In this land that was not originally crazy for tennis, it was the honor she won with her unremitting efforts to knock the door of Chinese and Asian tennis to the world.
Data Map: In 2015, Li Na won the Lawrence Institution Special Achievement Award. Photo by Tang Yanjun
Li Na's influence goes beyond tennis.
If you want to win, you must want to win from the bottom of your heart. You want to win very, very, very much. Your desire for victory is like the desire for clear water for those on the verge of dying in the desert. Then you have hope, only hope, and win.
——Li Na's autobiography "Playing Alone"
Wang Shuang, who regarded Li Na as an idol, brought a copy of "Playing Alone" to Paris with him while studying abroad. The uncompromising, unyielding and unyielding protagonist in the book accompanied her through the most lonely time in her career. In Wang Shuang's eyes, Li Na is a legend that inspired a whole generation.
Social network screenshot
Coincidentally, when Zhu Ting was struggling because of going abroad to play, "Playing Alone" gave her courage to move forward, helping the female line leader to clarify the direction.
Li Na's influence goes beyond sports.
The film "Playing Alone" that tells Li Na's sports career has been successful. This carefully prepared work for several years is mirrored by the famous director Chen Kexin, with the same name as his autobiography.
"The film tells how an ordinary person works hard for his ideals. I hope it will finally show a positive mental state, and it is best to inspire young people." This is Li Na's voice.
The picture shows that Li Na and Pierce participated in the welcome ceremony to celebrate the 2019 Hall of Fame. Image source: Osports All Sports Pictures
Li Na's influence is not only because of how brilliant she has achieved on the field, but more importantly, it is because of her love and persistence in tennis. This dedication will attract more young people to participate in this sport and will also inspire more young people to move forward.
At the Australian Open last year, Li Na presented the award to Naomi Osaka, who won the championship, which was regarded as the heritage of Asian tennis. Later, Nagasaka said more than once that Li Na gave her many valuable suggestions, and she would not forget her time with Li Na.
Data Map: Li Na presented the award to Osaka Naomi.
Li Na is a pioneer, she gives more latecomers the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of giants and look at the scenery further away; Li Na is also a dreamer, and she uses her personal experience to encourage everyone to move towards the goal. Tennis is more than sports.
In the future, there will surely be more Asian players, like Naomi Osaka, gradually surpassing Li Na's achievements on the field. But don’t forget—
She was the first Asian player to reach the Grand Slam singles final;
She is the first Asian player to be shortlisted for the year-end finals;
She is the first Asian player to rank among the top 3 in the world in singles;
She is the first Asian player to win the Grand Slam singles championship;
She is the first Asian player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame...
She is Li Na. (Finish)