Daily Times

RIO DE JANEIRO: China’s Zheng Saisai used Li Na as her inspiration to stun Agnieszka Radwanska at the Olympics, claiming her trailblazing compatriot has encouraged a generation of young players to pick up a tennis racquet for the first time. Zheng, the world number 64, defeated the fourth-seeded Pole 6-4, 7-5 to make the second round in Rio. The 22-year-old credited Li, who won the French Open in 2011 and Australian Open in 2014, with her victory. “Li Na is an inspiration for all Chinese people. On centre court, I feel motivated and inspired by her,” said Zheng. Li also reached number two in the world before she retired in September 2014.

However, her record at the Olympics was modest with just a semi-final in Beijing on home ground in 2008 to show for her efforts. “I am happy to represent my country, this is my dream. I train hard every day and being at the Olympics is an amazing experience,” said Zheng. “I feel honoured and proud and don’t feel any pressure — that’s always on the shoulders of the higher-ranked players.” China’s top player Zhang Shuai was also a first day winner in Rio, knocking out Swiss 12th-seed Timea Bacsinszky, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (9/7), saving three match points in the process. There could be a third Chinese woman in the second round later Sunday when Wang Qiang, the world number 66, faces Russian eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, a two-time Grand Slam title winner.