Chinese tennis superstar Li Na had Melbourne Park fans in stitches as she won the Australian Open after her straight sets victory over Slovak Dominika Cibulkova.
Li Na’s victory ensured the trophy of the Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific stays home.
She thanked her agent… for making her lots of money. “Max, agent, make me rich, thanks a lot” she said.
The Chinese trailblazer who had just seven months ago threatened to quit tennis to be a humble housewife, then she paid a unique tribute to her husband of eight years.
“Now, of course, my husband, you’re famous in China. Thanks (to) him with everything, travelling with me as my hitting partner. (He) fixes my drink, fixes my raquet…
“So thanks a lot, you’re a nice guy …”
“Also, you’re so lucky”.
Li Na’s speech has been labelled by people from sports stars to media personalities as the “best speech ever”
“Congratulations Li Na, actually the best acceptance speech I’ve ever heard. Great chick. Well done!!” Stephanie Rice wrote on twitter.
Gerard Whateley had this to say about Li Na’s speech: “Pretty sure that’s the best victory speech ever on Rod Laver Arena. Li Na”.
It was the third time lucky for Na at the Australian Open. She famously choked against Kim Clijsters in 2011 and was runner-up to Victoria Azarenka last year.
In her triumphant speech, Na also said the Australian Open was her favourite tournament. “I cannot wait. Looking forward to come back.”
The Australian Open men’s final holds tomorrow between Stanislas Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal. Roger Federer will be hoping his fellow Swiss, Wawrinka avenge his defeat when he faces Nadal who threw Federer out of the Australian Open.
