Tidbits

Maria likes to be spoiled: Maria Sharapova said Li Na would be a great mom when the Chinese star announced to the Melbourne crowd that she was pregnant this week - a revelation that prompted the Russian to recall her own childhood.

"My mom had me when she was very young, but I grew up having her as my best friend," she said. "I know when you're younger you're a bit more of a rebel, but I've always enjoyed spending time with my parents, even though my dad was a coach of mine for many years. When I'm home I love having them around. I'm an only child, so they get to spoil me a little bit."

Kei lauds Li's leadership: US Open finalist Kei Nishikori of Japan paid tribute to Li Na, describing the recently retired Chinese star as an inspiration for Asian tennis.