Time to say goodbye and hello

"Oh, NO!" That's how I reacted to the news this morning that Former French and Australian Open  champ Li Na is retiring.   The petite 32 year old stole millions of hearts with her fierce competitive spirit and radiant smile. Known as the Chinese Tennis Rebel, she defied not only the odds but the powerful Chinese government and reached the number 2 world ranking by doing things her way.  I remember the first time I saw her play. I was immediately taken in by her razor sharp movements and unparalleled  focus and determination. She leaves behind an incredible legacy and has inspired millions of little girls in her native China and around the world to pursue the ultimate dream. Li didn't know it was her dream at first. Her father, a former badminton champion, first enrolled her in the national training center at age 8 to follow in his badminton glory.  But her shoulders were too large and she was redirected to tennis. She fought the grueling training and survived with the same sense of humor that leaped through the television cameras after her Australian Open historic victory. However after four operations, her knees finally gave up. We will miss her class on and off the court, but she promises to continue her presence in the sport she grew to love.

As for me, I start a new season of USTA tennis Monday night and I'm beyond thrilled! Of course we look nothing like the pros on TV. However, we have a great time and believe it or not, the level of competition is quite respectable. My first league team was the 7.5 combo team in the Presidio in 2007. Amazingly, 7 years later, my favorite team is still the 7.5 combo which combines a 4.0 player with a 3.5 player.  The strategy seems simple, "pick-on" the weaker player, but that is easier said than done. When all else fails, we can  remember Li Na who demonstrated with such grace,  anything is possible!  Xie-Xie Li Na!