Move over Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova; even in retirement, Li Na can dazzle the Australian Open crowd.
One year after conquering Dominika Cibulková 7-6, 6-0 to win the women's final and her second career Grand Slam, Li returned to Rod Laver Arena on Monday and announced that she and husband Dennis are expecting their first child next summer.
The previous year's winners at the Australian Open speak on the first night of the event, and Li, elegantly dressed in black, told 15,000 of her closest fans her news, tennis.com reported.
"Me and Dennis, we are so excited," the 32-year-old Li said, referring to her husband, in an on-court ceremony at the Melbourne tournament where she won her second grand slam in 2014. "Our first child will be out this summer."
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The announcement drew a roar from the crowd.
"I think Dennis is doing a good job," she added, before quipping, "He just made one ace."
Tennis.com reported that Li elaborated on her announcement on her Facebook page:
"I made my way to Melbourne this week to help my friends at the Australian Open kick off my favourite Grand Slam. Earlier today, I had a very special opportunity to step out on the Rod Laver Arena once again and spend some time with the fans. I've walked out on this court more times than I can count, yet today it felt extra special. I was no longer alone out there fighting my opponent (and sometimes myself); today it felt like I was in the company of my 15,000 friends.
A mere 12 months ago, I stood on this court clutching the Australian Open trophy tightly in my hands, a huge grin on my face, overwhelmed with joy and a sense of accomplishment that I shared with everyone who had helped me along the road to this incredible achievement. Today, all of those emotions came back to me, yet I had extra butterflies in my stomach because I wanted to share a very special secret with the Australian Open fans. Over the years, they have supported me and truly helped my success, so it felt just right to let them in on a little secret I've been holding on to for a few months now.
This summer, Dennis and I are expecting our first child. We are overjoyed! And it really feels like this baby is going to enter the world already having about 15,000 friends.
I have been feeling great and Dennis and I have been doing some traveling and enjoying this special time in our lives. We can't wait to become parents and start this new chapter together.
I look forward to spending a few more days in Australia and wish all of the players and the tournament the best of luck! I can't wait to be back! - LI NA"
Despite her retirement in September, Li easily could be an ambassador for the sport for years to come.
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