Baseball Caps Off To China’s Tennis Twosome

What a brilliant run from the Chinese tennis twosome Zheng Jie and Li Na, who are the first Chinese women to reach the semi-finals of a grand slam tournament. Unfortunately, hopes for a Chinese player to reach the final of the Australian Open ended when Zheng Jie was thrashed 6-1 6-0 by Justine Henin, and Li Na was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-1) by Serena Williams. Justine Henin and Serena Williams are now into the Australian Open final.

[Li Na’s non-male-like arms.]

Of the four women who visited Hong Kong earlier this month and who then went on to the Australian Open, Zheng Jie fared the best. It is difficult to say, either way, whether playing in Hong Kong’s annual exhibition tennis event is good or poor preparation for a grand slam. Nevertheless, HKSARblog admits to enjoying whatever tennis is available.

Note: The official pictures of Zheng Jie and Li Na on the WTA Tour website show two different approaches to the players’ self-promotion.

[Zheng Jie from the WTA Tour website. Clearly massively "made up" and unfortunately reminds HKSARblog of a Stand Out Face. Too "plasticky".]

[Li Na from the WTA Tour website. Her bio pic has more of a natural and girl-next-door look.]

Anyway, congratulations to both Zheng Jie and Li Na for their significant achievements at the 2010 Australian Open.