Federer had Edberg, Becker as heroes. Li Na had nobody - Agent
Max Eisenbud attended Li Na's Tennis Hall of Fame induction on Saturday in Newport. The American, who has been Chinese player's longtime agent, praised Li's desire and effort to get to the top of tennis despite not having any childhood idol.
"I am humbled and grateful to have the honor to induct you into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Most of all the last 10 years have been a privilege to work with you, to witness you becoming an incredible player, woman, wife, mother, entrepreneur, author, film producer, chef, the list goes on and on, and an inspiration for millions of people around the world," said Eisenbud. "We all know to make it into the Hall of Fame, you have to be an accomplished tennis player. Li Na, you've been a great tennis player and an amazing champion. What I admire and I think most impressive about you is that you've been a true pioneer, not just for tennis, not just for women, but for all of China. I'd like to put things in perspective of what Li Na has accomplished. In sports, as in life, it's important to have greatness before you. LeBron James had Michael Jordan. Jordan was inspired by Larry Bird and Magic. Federer had Edberg and Becker as his heroes. The list goes on. Li Na had nobody. There was no roadmap in China for becoming a great champion in a western-dominated sport. There were no successful athletes in China in individual sports before Li Na. There was no Chinese Jordan, Edberg or Federer. While the Chinese restrictive sports machine taught Li Na incredible work ethic, made her mentally strong, she couldn't get the proper tennis training. She wasn't allowed to have a manager or an agent to guide her on the path of success. She had to give up most of her earnings and couldn't afford proper coaching. She was part of a system that has never produced an individual female tennis player who ever broke into the top 70. And yet, somehow, this rose sprouted through the asphalt and overcame every hurdle in front of her. Nothing was going to stop this amazing woman from becoming a champion."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/32HAc1n
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