China’s top-ranked singles player Na Li has been sidelined by a serious rib injury during a considerable part of the 2007 season, but the day has come that Na Li proclaims coming back to the sport. Finally!
Na Li, who hasn’t played tennis since the DFS Classic tournament in June, will play the Australian Women’s Hardcourts tournament and the Australian Open as she sets her sights on Olympic glory.
“I can’t tell you how much I missed tennis when I was out,” said the 25-year-old, who has dropped 13 places to 29th in the rankings because of the injury.
“I can’t believe I am here again, to serve and run on the court, and I am emotional to feel everything that I used to take for granted,
“I am more motivated now and I feel my desire for the Olympics is bigger than ever before.”
The injury was so bad for Na Li that she even couldn’t walk for almost one month, and therefore she’s realistic — the comeback will be gradual.
“I know I won’t get back my form very soon, but I am not in a hurry,” she said. “My ribs hurt a little sometimes and stamina is my biggest problem.
“I think I need more time to get used to the speed of the games, but I won’t push myself too hard and I hope I can return to the top 20 after the tournaments in Australia.” (source: China Daily)
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