ST PETERSBURG, Florida, September 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Chinese tennis icon to serve as Official Ambassador for 2014 and 2015
Li Na to open first ever BNP Paribas WTA Finals in Asia
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced today that recently retired Li Na has been named an Official Ambassador of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140811/700750 )
As Asia's highest-ranked player ever transitions to WTA Legend, the two-time Grand Slam champion will serve as an Official Ambassador for the WTA Finals in 2014 and 2015. Li joins an all-star line-up of WTA Legends this year, including Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Marion Bartoli, Iva Majoli and Mary Pierce.
Li will travel to Singapore for the opening Fan Festival Weekend of the WTA Finals, staged in Asia-Pacific for the first time ever. Li will be a part of the WTA Finals Fan Fest, appearing and meeting fans on Sunday, October 19. Fan Fest weekend is open to the general public free of charge. Monday, October 20, Li will meet participants from the inaugural WTA Future Stars U14 and U16 junior girls event, featuring players from 12 countries. Li will pass the racket to the next generation of stars during the WTA Future Stars trophy ceremony. Additionally, Li will participate in the Opening Ceremony on Monday, October 20, at 7:00pm local time.
"We are excited to announce Li Na's role as an Official Ambassador for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, the first time it will be staged in Asia-Pacific in the event's 44-year history," said WTA Chairman & CEO Stacey Allaster. "This will be a great opportunity for fans from around the world to get close to a tennis legend who inspired a nation and has done so much for the game in Asia-Pacific. She has inspired a generation of young girls throughout Asia-Pacific with hopes that they, too, can achieve the dream of playing in the WTA Finals." Watch VIDEO interview here: http://www.wtatennis.com/videos/article/4183205/title/allaster-interview
Until announcing her retirement from WTA tennis, September 19, Li's powerful game delivered against the best. In total, she reached 21 WTA singles finals, won Grand Slam titles, 2011 Roland Garros and 2014 Australian Open, and reached the US Open semifinals and Wimbledon quarter finals.
Visit http://www.WTAFinals.com or http://wtafinals.sportshubtix.sg for tickets.
Contact: Heather Bowler, +447885966355
