Legends can't be copied

Chinese icon Li urges talented up-and-comers to 'just be yourself'

Aryna Sabalenka's triumph over Anett Kontaveit in Saturday's final duel at the Premier 5 Wuhan Open not withstanding, the absence of Chinese players reminded fans that the nation still awaits a worthy successor to two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na.

Four years ago at the same tournament, Wuhan native Li bid tennis a memorable farewell, receiving flowers from her friend Caroline Wozniacki and deafening cheers from a huge crowd at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center in the capital of Hubei province.