Li Na expecting first baby

Current Australian Open tennis women's champion China's Li Na holds the trophy as she stands next to her Madame Tussauds wax figure after it was unveiled at Melbourne Park January 18, 2015. The Australian Open tennis tournament begins on January 19. [Photo/Agencies]

Reigning Australian Open champion Li Na and husband Jiang Shan are expecting their first child.

The retired dual Grand Slam winner announced her pregnancy at Rod Laver Arena, where she claimed the title a year ago, during a ceremony ahead of the night session on Monday's opening day of the tournament.

"This summer, Jiang Shan and I expect our first child," Li said, joking that her husband had got her pregnant quickly, like serving an ace.

Rod Laver Arena is a lucky place for Li as she played three finals there against different opponents.

Speculation surrounding her pregnancy had been rife as media and fans noticed she was wearing a baggy dress and sneakers during ceremonies.

The Chinese sports idol shocked fans by hanging up her racket due to chronic injuries in September, on the eve of a tournament in Wuhan, her home city.