Li Na Is A International Hero

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 28th January 2014

Li Na of China poses with her Australian Open trophy

Li Na Is A International Hero

epa04042084 Li Na of China, winner of the Women's Singles Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament, poses with her trophy at Brighton Beach in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 26 January 2014. EPA/MARK DADSWELL AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Na Li’s agent believes that his Chinese client could be starting to challenge his other client – marketing icon Maria Sharapova – in the global tennis financial stakes given the massive power of the Chinese consumer. Max Eisenbud told CNN that the new Australian Open winner is gaining traction fast with the public – and big Chinese sponsors – after her second grand slam title success.

“She was quite popular already but after the win it’s getting more and more. People realize she’s not only a tennis player. She’s kind of a national hero. She also represents Chinese women in a very good way so I believe her image is getting bigger not only in China but in front of the world.

“Sponsors will find her progress in winning the Australian Open, together with her public persona of being fun and honest in her interviews, refreshing and engaging,” he told CNN. “Winning the Australian Open will make many more people globally aware of who she is as a player and this will attract brands.”

Li, who gained fame at home when she won the 2011 French Open, luckily did not quit tennis during a 2013 low period. The soon-to-be 32-year-old has up to 13 current sponsors and more than 20 million followers on social media.

Her sponsor list includes Nike, Babolat racquets, Rolex, Visa, Mercedes-Benz, Australian gambling house Crown, Samsung, Chinese insurer Taikang Life, SpiderTech injury tape, Kunlun Mountain Chinese mineral water and Chinese dairy company Yili Group. She trails only track star Liu Xiang and retired NBA All-Star Yao Ming in sponsorship connections, according to Chinese media.

Li is said to have earned around $19 million in sponsorship dollars annually before Australia, with Sharapova the longtime world leader for sportswomen, with $27 million earned in 2013. Since Li won Roland Garros three years ago Eisenbud has signed her to seven contracts with $48 million over three years with more negotiations certainly now in the pipeline.

Topics: 10sballs, Australian Open, Li Nal, Maria Sharapova, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News