Reluctant Chinese star set to play with Zhang at London Olympics

Li Na has been confirmed for the doubles at the London Olympics despite her public protestations.

Although Li (pictured) hit out at the Chinese Tennis Association (CTA) for its arrangement to force her to play doubles at the Games, she must represent the country in the event, the CTA's chief confirmed on Thursday.

Sun Jinfang, director of the CTA, told China Daily on Thursday that the ITF Olympic entry list, which named Li besides youngster Zhang Shuai in the doubles draw, is part of the final roster that it will send to the All-England Club before the Games.

"Yes, she is," Sun, who is overseeing the Chinese players at Wimbledon this week, in reply to a China Daily query as to whether Li has to play doubles.

However, Sun refused to make any further comments on the situation which has grown increasingly tense between the governing body and an angry Li.

"I hope they could respect athletes more. The way they put me in (without asking) makes me uncomfortable," Li said after crashing out of Wimbledon in the second round with a 6-3, 6-4 defeat to unseeded Romanian Sorana Cirstea.

CTA spokeswoman Xie Miqing said on Wednesday that Sun would discuss any Olympic doubles commitment with Li, but the 30-year-old seemed to be the last person to learn of her entry.

"I knew nothing before a friend texted me," said Li. "Even if they want me to play it, they should at least let me know in advance. I need some time to tune up for it as I haven't played a doubles match for five or six years."

Li said CTA officials contacted her husband and coach, Jiang Shan, in March to encourage her to pair with world No 171 Zhang, who could not directly make the Olympics by rankings.

However, the talks were inconclusive and the CTA had not made any further requirements of Li until now.

The last time Li appeared on a doubles court was at the 2007 Australian Open and she has never teamed with Zhang.

Entering the doubles draw means Li could play two matches each day of the Olympics and that will be a tough challenge given her age and injuries. Her sometimes volatile temperament also could create problems.

Li, however - despite her wishes - has vowed to give her best at her possible Olympic finale.

"Since the list has been announced, I am obliged to obey," she said.

The Hubei native was philosophical on her micro blog on Thursday: "Life is like a cup of tea. It won't be bitter for a lifetime, but for a short while anyway."

Adding Li to the doubles roster, which already has the mature tandem of Zheng Jie and Peng Shuai, shows the CTA is desperately seeking to surpass the bronze won in the event at the Beijing Olympics.

World No 34 Peng, who will enter the Olympic singles competition with Li and Zheng, said chief Sun stressed after her second-round win at Wimbledon on Thursday to "take the Olympics seriously, don't look down on it. It is a huge mission (for the athletes) in China".

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/29/2012 page22)