The autobiography 李娜的“独自上场” took me trips to a few bookstores in Hong Kong before I finally got a copy, published in Simplified Chinese. It was published in 2012, and I bought it in 2013.
This is the story of Li Na (李娜) – “Alone on the Court”.
In Tennis, there are four prestigious Major tournaments every year – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. The dream of most, if not all, tennis player, is to win these tournaments! Anyone, who wins one, could retire and conclude that he/she has a wonderful career. Michael Chang won the French open in the year of 1989 at the age of 17! Li Na has become a household name, after she won French open in the year of 2011, at the age of 29. She became the first ever Chinese female to win a Tennis Major. Tennis is an individual game, super-competitive, super-challenging to stay at the top and the player is his/her own boss.
Li Na has told a good story of herself in this book, and is as enjoyable as watching her game on the Court.
The book started with the big glory 
day after she won the French Open, and how the world has changed over-night. Then stepped backward to her childhood, her early years in tennis, her family relationship, her retirement from the game, and coming out of the retirement, won the French open, and her changed perspective in life through lessons learned on a tennis court.
The chapters about the relationship with her father were touching and such reflective of family values for many Chinese. Her father brought her to the game of tennis, and wished that she could become the Champion in the country. He passed away when Li Na was only 14, and to not distract her from the game, she was not fully informed of his illness until too late. For the first many years of her career, her father could well be the most motivating factor for Li Na in her tennis career. This is such a reflection of many Chinese family where the children are typically not too clear on what they want, and the parents work awfully hard to lay a good path for their children; And a contrast to the Western way where the kids seemingly know what they want at a young age.
Li Na’s early retirement from the game reflects a mid-way consideration of her own career – and she decided to quit the game and go back to University, with her boyfriend (soon husband). She enjoys school and has been doing well! While there were many influential persuaders, her return to tennis reflects more her own genuine confirmation of her career path. And she plays more for herself, than a fulfillment of someone else’ wish.
Like many players, Li Na has to fight over injuries, which included 3 knee surgeries and recoveries. Her chapter
s on her relationship with her husband is everything sweet. It shows how much support he has given to her over the years; and how much Li Na leans on him. In Tennis, a player is not only challenged with injuries, the up-and-down, the competition but how to stay motivated and stay hungry to win more! It is a lonely and self-centered journey – a player is all lucky to have family members close-by, supportive and understanding. Her husband is not only a loving husband, he was once a player, knows the game, has the role of a coach, a councilor, and an emotional outlet.
Li Na concludes the book with dosage of motivation and passion. She still has her heart in the game, and carries the passion in her life journey. Lucky for us, tennis fan, to be able to enjoy her matches for a few more years!
My Thumb up for the book! And I hope that it would become available in other languages soon!
oliviatamccue 