Kei Nishikori wants to take over from Li Na as Asia's new tennis role model
Japanese ace praises China's retired two-time grand slam winner and wants to replace her as the sport's new role model for Asian youngsters
Japanese star Kei Nishikori says he wants to become the man who "leads Asian tennis" after Chinese trailblazer Li Na announced her retirement on Friday.
The 24-year-old sensation, who is at his career high eighth in the world, is ready to become the face of Asia after Li gave in to long-term knee injuries.
"I was shocked. It is sad that I can't see her play anymore," said Nishikori, the first Asian man to reach a grand slam final - at the US Open this month.
"I think Li Na and some other Chinese ladies have done so many amazing things for Asian tennis.
"She won grand slams that we have never done before. I hope she can still be involved in tennis and I hope I can be the next one to lead Asian tennis," said Nishikori, who is aiming to break into the world's top five.
I was shocked. It is sad that I can't see her play anymore I think Li Na and some other Chinese ladies have done so many amazing things for Asian tennis
Champions past and present also paid tribute to Li, the 2011 French Open winner and reigning Australian Open champion.
Li, 32, said her knees, which have plagued her throughout her career, prevented her from ever regaining full fitness.
"The task of finally making a decision to hang up my racquet felt a lot more difficult than winning seven matches in a row in the Australian heat," Asia's greatest and most influential player said on her Facebook page.
"It took me several agonising months to finally come to the decision that my chronic injuries will never again let me be the tennis player I can be. Walking away from the sport, effective immediately, is the right decision for me and my family.
"Most people in the tennis world know that my career has been marked by my troubled right knee. The black brace I wear over it when I step on the court has become my tennis birth mark. And while the brace completes my tennis look, the knee problems have at times overtaken my life," she said.
"After four knee surgeries and hundreds of shots injected into my knee weekly to alleviate swelling and pain, my body is begging me to stop the pounding."
The Chinese Tennis Association said it respected her decision and wished her the best. "We also thank Li Na for the passionate and proud, shining moments she gave to Chinese tennis in her career," it said.
Li won nine WTA events, including two grand slams, and reached No 2 in the world.
She earned more than US$16 million in prize money and much more in endorsements and sponsorship. Earlier this year, listed her annual earnings at US$23.6 million, making her the world's second highest-earning female athlete.
WTA chairman Stacey Allaster said Li was a "pioneer who opened doors to tennis for hundreds of millions of people throughout China and Asia".
Nishikori said Li had broken down barriers.
"I think the woman's side has been much better in Asia. But now with Lu [Taiwanese Rendy Lu Yen-hsun] there, I hope we can all team together to make Asian tennis stronger," said Nishikori. "There are many things to do to make Asian tennis strong. We need a couple more top players to show we are getting closer and to inspire others.
"My run to the US Open final can make them believe they can do it," said Nishikori, who was in Hong Kong yesterday before heading to Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysian Open, followed by events in Japan and Shanghai.
Nishikori said more ATP tournaments should be held in Asia. "It's not easy to put another tournament on the schedule."
