Chinese tennis star Li Na was given an emotional farewell by her fellow countrymen and women at the National Tennis Center in Beijing during the China Open being played at the National Tennis Center here on Wednesday.
Recurring knee injuries forced the 32-year-old to call time on her career last month.
According to CNN, it was the long goodbye for Asia's first grand slam singles champion, as she was lauded by her peers, Chinese celebrities and the wider public at a special ceremony.
In all, 40 WTA players were on court for the ceremony, which reached its climax as world No.2 Rafa Nadal, moments after winning on his own return from injury, presented the player with flowers alongside her husband Jiang Shan.
Li reached her career-best ranking of second earlier this year shortly after her victory at the Australian Open. She had previously become her continent's first grand slam winner at the 2011 French Open, one of nine WTA career singles titles.
She now plans to start a family and also set up her own tennis academy after playing for the last 24 years.
More From This Section
Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic and Petra Kvitova were among the players present at the farewell ceremony.
WTA chairman Stacey Allaster described Na as a true champion and pioneer who had made a difference in so many people's lives.