Li Na stands out as China’s tennis trailblazer, the first Asian-born player to snag Grand Slam singles titles with wins at the 2011 French Open and 2014 Australian Open. She’s a retired pro who hit world No. 2 and reshaped the sport in Asia.
Li Na’s Biography
Here’s a quick rundown of Li Na’s key personal details in 2026.
| Detail | Info |
| Full Name | Li Na |
| Nickname | Na Na |
| Born | February 26, 1982, Wuhan, China |
| Age | 44 years |
| College | Huazhong University of Science and Technology (journalism degree, 2009) |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Height | 5’9″ (172-173 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 1999 |
| Net Worth | $60 million |
| Prize Money | Career prize money: $16.7 million |
| Spouse | Jiang Shan |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | Daughter Alisa (born 2010), son Jinghao (born 2014, or second child late 2016) |
| @lina_1982 |
Early Career
Li Na kicked off tennis at age 6 in Wuhan, switching from badminton thanks to coach Xia Xiyao. She joined China’s National Team in 1997, trained at John Newcombe Academy in Texas in 1998, and turned pro in 1999 at 16. That year, she dominated ITF events, winning three of her first four singles tournaments—two in Shenzhen and one in Westende, Belgium—plus seven doubles titles.
By 2000, she racked up eight more ITF singles wins, including a $50k event, pushing her ranking to No. 136 without WTA points. She grabbed her first WTA doubles title in Tashkent but dipped in 2001-02 due to team issues and studies, winning just a few ITF events before a break.
Professional Career
Li Na exploded back in 2004, winning her first WTA singles title at Guangzhou and four ITF singles that year, entering top 100. She hit career highs like Wimbledon quarters in 2006 (first Chinese there) and Olympics 4th in 2008, beating Venus Williams.
Breakout came in 2010 with Aussie Open semis, top-10 entry, and Birmingham title. 2011 peaked with Sydney win, Aussie Open final, and French Open triumph over Schiavone—Asia’s first Slam. She added 2012 Cincinnati Premier-5, 2013 Shenzhen, and 2014 Aussie Open and Shenzhen, peaking No. 2. Retired 2014 at 32 after Hall of Fame path; inducted 2019. Career: 503-188 singles, 9 WTA titles.
Husband
Li Na’s happily married to Jiang Shan since January 27, 2006—he’s a former player who became her coach. They met early in her career and have two kids: daughter Alisa (born around 2010) and a son (born 2014 or late 2016). Family keeps her grounded post-tennis.
Li Na’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Li Na’s net worth sits around $60 million, fueled by $16.7 million career prize money and massive endorsements. Peak earnings hit $18-23 million yearly from 2011-14 via Slams and deals. Investments and China fame keep it steady; no big changes since retirement.
Prize Money
Li Na’s WTA earnings totaled $16,709,074, peaking in Slam years.
| Year | Earnings ($) | Singles Titles | Money Rank |
| 2004 | 65,950 | 1 | 155 |
| 2005 | 139,798 | 0 | 97 |
| 2006 | 460,982 | 0 | 30 |
| 2007 | 377,940 | 0 | 44 |
| 2008 | 386,568 | 1 | 42 |
| 2009 | 646,085 | 0 | 29 |
| 2010 | 1,158,898 | 1 | 15 |
| 2011 | 3,709,139 | 2 (1 GS) | 4 |
| 2012 | 2,280,646 | 1 | 8 |
| 2013 | 3,982,485 | 1 | 3 |
| 2014 | 3,409,885 | 2 (1 GS) | 5 |
| Total | 16,709,074 | 9 | – |
Endorsements
Li Na’s endorsement game blew up after her Slams, landing deals with Nike (longtime sponsor since youth), Rolex, Häagen-Dazs, Mercedes-Benz, and Nongfu Spring (even baby water post-kids).
Her 2011 French Open win sparked a frenzy—agent said they could do 25 deals, turning her into China’s Yao Ming of tennis with massive Weibo following. Peak years like 2013 brought $18 million from sponsors alone, dwarfing prize money, boosting her to top-earning female athletes. Post-retirement, she keeps select ties while eyeing business.
Career Records
Li Na owned 503-188 singles record (73% win rate), 8-10 doubles. She notched 42 top-10 wins, including No. 1s like Serena Williams (2008 Stuttgart), Caroline Wozniacki (2011 Aussie). Head-to-head shines vs. rivals:
| Opponent | H2H Record (Li Na wins first) | Notable Matches |
| Maria Sharapova | 5-4 | Won 2011 French SF, 2010 Birmingham F |
| Victoria Azarenka | 5-5 | Beat in 2011 French QF, lost 2013 Aussie F |
| Agnieszka Radwanska | 7-2 | Multiple 2012-13 masters wins |
| Angelique Kerber | 5-1 | 2012 Cincinnati F win |
| Petra Kvitova | 3-2 | 2011 French 4R, 2012 Sydney SF |
| Serena Williams | 1-3 (1 No.1 win) | 2008 Stuttgart upset |
| Kim Clijsters | 2-2 | 2011 Sydney F, lost 2011 Aussie F |
FAQs
1. Who is Li Na and why is she famous in tennis?
Li Na is a retired Chinese professional tennis player who became famous for breaking barriers in Asian tennis by winning two Grand Slam singles titles. She won the 2011 French Open and the 2014 Australian Open, making her the first Chinese and first Asian player to win a major singles title.
2. What were Li Na’s Grand Slam singles titles?
Li Na won the French Open in 2011 and the Australian Open in 2014. These two victories marked her as the first Asian‑born player, male or female, to claim a Grand Slam singles title.
3. What was Li Na’s highest WTA ranking?
Li Na reached a career‑high WTA singles ranking of world No. 2 in February 2014. This peak came after her consistent performances in Grand Slam events and other WTA tournaments.
4. How many WTA singles titles did Li Na win?
Li Na won nine WTA Tour‑level singles titles during her professional career. These titles include multiple premier and international‑level tournaments.
5. Why is Li Na considered a trailblazer for Chinese and Asian tennis?
Li Na is seen as a trailblazer because she was the first Chinese player to reach the top 10 and the first Asian to win a Grand Slam singles title. Her success inspired a massive growth of tennis participation and interest in China and across Asia.
6. What Grand Slam finals did Li Na reach besides her wins?
Besides her two Grand Slam titles, Li Na reached the Australian Open finals in 2011 and 2013, finishing as runner‑up in both. She also appeared in the 2013 WTA Tour Championships final in singles.
7. What made Li Na’s Roland Garros 2011 victory historic?
Li Na’s 2011 French Open victory was historic because she became the first Chinese and first Asian player to win a Grand Slam singles championship. The final attracted enormous viewership in China and reshaped tennis’s popular image in Asia.
8. What led to Li Na’s retirement from professional tennis?
Li Na retired from professional tennis in 2014 due to recurring knee injuries that limited her training and match play. After struggling with pain and rehab for several years, she announced her retirement to focus on family and health.
9. How did Li Na impact tennis in China after her career?
Li Na’s success helped dramatically raise the profile of tennis in China by increasing media coverage, youth participation, and private investment in training facilities. She is widely credited with creating a new generation of Chinese tennis players.
10. Where was Li Na born and what is her background?
Li Na was born on February 26, 1982, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. She started playing tennis at a young age under China’s state sports system and eventually transitioned into an independently managed professional career while maintaining strong ties to her Chinese roots.