Tennis | Roland Garros

Sun Jinfang © Gallo Images

Chinese tennis chief hails Li Na

04 June 2011, 22:58

Chinese tennis chief Sun Jinfang described Li Na's record breaking French Open win on Saturday as a "breakthrough" and "a massive source of pride".

"This win is truly a breakthrough in a sport that has been dominated mainly by players from Europe, Australia and the Americas," said Sun after watching Li become the first Chinese player to lift a Grand Slam singles' title.

She added: "It is a massive source of pride for all the Asians and it can serve as a great milestone for the development of Chinese tennis.

"Li announced herself a professional player by pulling off a great game and showing a high morale. She is a new image of the Chinese sports.

"The victory can have a great effect on Chinese tennis, I'm sure it will help reevaluate the sport and inspire more youngsters to play tennis."

Li rewrote the record books with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) triumph over Italy's Francesca Schiavone.

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