Two-time Grand Slam champion and Wuhan native Li Na turned tour guide for one day for her friend Martina Hingis, who is playing the Wuhan doubles tournament together with her partner Sania Mirza. The guided tour included a visit to the city’s Yellow Crane Tower. The two friends took a trip to the top of the tower for a bird’s eye view of the Chinese city before hitting a few balls on a specially-created court.
“It’s pretty cool. She is the hometown hero. I am very privileged to have been invited to get a personalised tour from Wuhan’s most famous daughter. She told me that it’s only the second time that she has been up here but to come with someone who grew up here, I have learnt some history about the Yellow Crane Tower and about Wuhan” Hingis said.
Hingis talked about the reaction from the fans for Li Na. “It’s incredible. She is such a heroine for her hometown- With her results she is giving hope to so many girls from here”
Hingis is bidding to win her eighth doubles title this season with Sania Mirza. They won the last two Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and at the US Open.
“It’s nice to come back here after winning in the US Open and in Guangzhou. I really feel good here. The courts are nice, the new stadium is beautiful. Everything is perfect here“.
Hingis was asked if the reception she received when she came back home in Switzerland after winning the mixed and doubles titles at Wimbledon and at the US Open reminded her of the celebrations Li Na has enjoyed at home in Wuhan
“Not quite. I got a welcome at the airport, but I think that China has a bigger celebration. For Li Na to come from Wuhan and make it so big in a global sport has given hope to so many people here”, concluded Hingis.
