Li Na defended her reason in not participating at the inaugurual International Premier Tennis League which is set to make its debut later this year. The Chinese tennis superstar aims to secure the world number one ranking in singles and win more Grand Slam titles. Li is currently ranked number two in the world following her win at the Australian Open in January.
“I want to be number one in the world,” she said to the media in Hong Kong ahead of her exhibition World Tennis Day 2014 match against Samantha Stosur. “It’s a goal, the dream for all athletes. I will try as hard as I can. There’s no timing.”
The 31-year old will need to win more titles if she wants to overtake Serena Williams as world number one. Li currently has 6,795 ranking points while Williams has a massive 12,660 points. Williams won’t be participating at this week’s Indian Wells tournament which could help Li’s cause in narrowing down the American’s lead.
Li does lead the WTA Road to Singapore rankings at number one with 2,385 points while Williams has 895 in sixth place.
“After I won the French Open I didn’t have any experience and also nobody told me what I should do next,” she said.
“This time it’s different. I’m working with Carlos and he has a lot of experience. He told me before what I should
do.”
