Nishikori shocked over Li retirement

Japan’s top tennis player reacts to Chinese star’s decision

HONG KONG: Japan's Kei Nishikori expresses shock over Chinese star Li Na's injury-forced retirement on Friday, but added that he hopes to become the new leader of tennis in Asia.

The US Open finalist, now Asia's top-ranked player at eighth, was speaking after 32-year-old Li quit over knee problems, just months after winning the Australian Open.

"It is a shock for me and for everybody, but she's done amazing things for Asian tennis," said Nishikori during an ATP media visit to Hong Kong.

Li became the first Asian national to win a Grand Slam singles title at the 2011 French Open, and then claimed her second major trophy at the Australian Open in January.

She has had a major impact on Asian tennis, which continued its upwards trajectory at the US Open when Nishikori became the first man from Asia to reach a Grand Slam final and China's Peng Shuai made it to the women's semis.

Nishikori said Li was leaving Asian tennis in good shape, adding he was now ready to act as a mentor for the region's emerging players.

"For sure, it is not good for Asian tennis but at the same time, there are more young guys coming up.”

Meanwhile, Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis said Li’s retirement was a loss to world tennis, crediting the Chinese star with raising the game's profile in her home country and across Asia.

"It's a sad day for Chinese tennis and for the global sport in general," said Hingis, who has won five singles and nine doubles Grand Slam titles, after hearing about Li's decision during the WTA Pan Pacific Open.

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark called the wise-cracking 32-year-old Chinese a "big inspiration both on and off the court” who will be "missed in the locker room."