French press hails Li Na win
Li Na's historic title win in the French Open on Saturday, the first by a Chinese player in a Grand Slam event, brought glowing praise from French newspapers on Sunday.
"Li Na wins one for the ages," headlined L'Equipe sports daily on its front page over a photo of the 29-year-old from Wuhan holding aloft the French Open trophy.
"With her 6-4, 7-6 victory over Francesca Schiavone, Asian tennis for the first time in history has a Grand Slam singles champion," the paper reported.
Columnist and former world No 3 Nathalie Tauziat said that Li's win provided a much-needed breath of fresh air for women's tennis.
"She has proved that you don't have to scream like a crazy person at every point to win. She is solid, moves well, is a complete player and her shots are heavy and long. She can go further.
"Her ascension to the top levels is also great news for Asia. She will give a great example and inspire a lot of young Asians to take up the sport.
"And from a purely economic standpoint, Asia is a huge potential market for tennis."
Le Journal du Dimanche headlined it's story on Li's win with: "China extends its empire."
"Li Na, despite being 29, gives the impression of being a fresh, new player. It's not the end of the story for the new world No 4," the paper's reporter wrote.
"Her offensive inclinations can stand her in good stead just about everywhere (at least into the quarterfinals of all the Grand Slam events."