Li Na Land, reality TV and fashion -- what China's tennis pioneer did next

    By Danielle Rossingh, for CNN

    Updated 1240 GMT (2040 HKT) March 31, 2017

    Li Na retired from tennis in 2014.
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    Li Na retired from tennis in 2014.
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    Knee problems prompted Li to announce her retirement in September 2014.
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    China's tennis star – Knee problems prompted Li to announce her retirement in September 2014.
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    Since retiring she's been keeping busy with numerous business interests.
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    Since retiring she's been keeping busy with numerous business interests.
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    Li's 2011 French Open win made her one of the richest sportswomen in the world.
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    Rich list – Li's 2011 French Open win made her one of the richest sportswomen in the world.
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    After becoming China's first grand slam singles champion in Paris, Li signed a raft of new sponsorship deals.
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    Seventh heaven – After becoming China's first grand slam singles champion in Paris, Li signed a raft of new sponsorship deals.
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    Western brands seized on Li as a way of moving into the Chinese marketplace, which is traditionally one of the hardest to infiltrate.
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    Finding the balance – Western brands seized on Li as a way of moving into the Chinese marketplace, which is traditionally one of the hardest to infiltrate.
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    Her business interests include movie and book deals, her own clothing line in China with long-time sponsor Nike, appearances in reality television shows
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    Sponsor deals – Her business interests include movie and book deals, her own clothing line in China with long-time sponsor Nike, appearances in reality television shows
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    After winning the 2014 Australian Open Li rose to a career-high No. 2 in the world that same year
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    Exposure – After winning the 2014 Australian Open Li rose to a career-high No. 2 in the world that same year
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    Li was one of the most in-demand players on the WTA Tour, not just because of her nationality but also because of her engaging personality.
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    Personality counts – Li was one of the most in-demand players on the WTA Tour, not just because of her nationality but also because of her engaging personality.
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    Li, who has a rose tattoo on her chest, became the first Chinese woman to win a WTA tournament in 2004.
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    Rose tattoo – Li, who has a rose tattoo on her chest, became the first Chinese woman to win a WTA tournament in 2004.
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    When Li reached the finals of the French Open in 2011, it was estimated that over 100 million Chinese watched live TV coverage of the event.
    Photos: Li Na: The mother of Chinese tennis
    People's choice – When Li reached the finals of the French Open in 2011, it was estimated that over 100 million Chinese watched live TV coverage of the event.