On Tuesday, Zheng Jie became the first Chinese woman to ever make the semifinals at the Australian Open. Twenty-four hours later, countrywoman Li Na became the second. Though the eyes of the tennis world are looking ahead to a potential Serena Williams-Justine Henin final in Melbourne, we'll today celebrate the historic achievements of China's two emerging tennis stars.
Love -- Though the Aussie Open schedule lists them as Jie Zheng and Na Li, their names are Zheng Jie and Li Na, respectively. The Chinese naming system puts the family name first (which is why Yao Ming has "YAO" written on the back of his jersey instead of "MING").
15 -- China's state-sponsored sports program used to keep Zheng Jie and Li Na from having much, if any, control over their careers. The players couldn't play many international tournaments and were assigned coaches, doctors, nutrionists and psychologists. But a post-Olympics reform gave the players more freedom and the results have been striking. New coaches, schedules and regimens have played an integral role in the emergence of the two women. Also key: Instead of forking over 60 percent of earnings to the Chinese government, the women now have to give just 12 percent.
30 -- In China the pair are nicknamed "The Golden Flowers."
40 -- Despite being linked by the court, the pair couldn't be more different off of it. Li Na is the rebel with the tattooed chest and fiery attitude who often clashes with the oppressive Chinese government. Conversely, Zheng Jie has been called "the darling of the Chinese media" and is fiercely loyal to the Communist party.
Game -- Regardless of what happens Thursday in Melbourne, Li Na will become the first Chiense woman ever to enter the top 10.
On Tuesday, Zheng Jie became the first Chinese woman to ever make the semifinals at the Australian Open. Twenty-four hours later, countrywoman Li Na became the second. Though the eyes of the tennis world are looking ahead to a potential Serena Williams-Justine Henin final in Melbourne, we'll today celebrate the historic achievements of China's two emerging tennis stars.
Love -- Though the Aussie Open schedule lists them as Jie Zheng and Na Li, their names are Zheng Jie and Li Na, respectively. The Chinese naming system puts the family name first (which is why Yao Ming has "YAO" written on the back of his jersey instead of "MING").
15 -- China's state-sponsored sports program used to keep Zheng Jie and Li Na from having much, if any, control over their careers. The players couldn't play many international tournaments and were assigned coaches, doctors, nutrionists and psychologists. But a post-Olympics reform gave the players more freedom and the results have been striking. New coaches, schedules and regimens have played an integral role in the emergence of the two women. Also key: Instead of forking over 60 percent of earnings to the Chinese government, the women now have to give just 12 percent.
30 -- In China the pair are nicknamed "The Golden Flowers."
40 -- Despite being linked by the court, the pair couldn't be more different off of it. Li Na is the rebel with the tattooed chest and fiery attitude who often clashes with the oppressive Chinese government. Conversely, Zheng Jie has been called "the darling of the Chinese media" and is fiercely loyal to the Communist party.
Game -- Regardless of what happens Thursday in Melbourne, Li Na will become the first Chiense woman ever to enter the top 10.
On Tuesday, Zheng Jie became the first Chinese woman to ever make the semifinals at the Australian Open. Twenty-four hours later, countrywoman Li Na became the second. Though the eyes of the tennis world are looking ahead to a potential Serena Williams-Justine Henin final in Melbourne, we'll today celebrate the historic achievements of China's two emerging tennis stars.
Love -- Though the Aussie Open schedule lists them as Jie Zheng and Na Li, their names are Zheng Jie and Li Na, respectively. The Chinese naming system puts the family name first (which is why Yao Ming has "YAO" written on the back of his jersey instead of "MING").
15 -- China's state-sponsored sports program used to keep Zheng Jie and Li Na from having much, if any, control over their careers. The players couldn't play many international tournaments and were assigned coaches, doctors, nutrionists and psychologists. But a post-Olympics reform gave the players more freedom and the results have been striking. New coaches, schedules and regimens have played an integral role in the emergence of the two women. Also key: Instead of forking over 60 percent of earnings to the Chinese government, the women now have to give just 12 percent.
30 -- In China the pair are nicknamed "The Golden Flowers."
40 -- Despite being linked by the court, the pair couldn't be more different off of it. Li Na is the rebel with the tattooed chest and fiery attitude who often clashes with the oppressive Chinese government. Conversely, Zheng Jie has been called "the darling of the Chinese media" and is fiercely loyal to the Communist party.
Game -- Regardless of what happens Thursday in Melbourne, Li Na will become the first Chiense woman ever to enter the top 10.
THE GUARDIAN
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