VETERAN Chinese tennis player Yan Zi, who retired in May 2011 and gave birth to a baby girl in January, announced Tuesday that she’s planning a comeback at the China Open, where she’ll play in the doubles draw with a wild card entry.

    “I think it’s the right time to come back and physically, I’m ready,” Yan said at the signing ceremony of China Open’s partnership with Beijing Benz Automotive.

    “I’ve always planned to return because I don’t want to give up tennis,” the 27-year-old added. “I will pick my tournaments wisely as I still have to nurse my girl. I’m really looking forward to it.”

    Teaming with former partner Zheng Jie, Yan bagged two Grand Slam doubles titles, at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, before winning doubles bronze at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

    Yan was slowed by a series of injuries. She shifted her focus to family life and rarely appeared on the WTA tour after marrying businessman Li Shenggen in 2009.

    According to Zheng, who hinted at Yan’s comeback during this year’s Wimbledon, Yan won’t rejoin her and will instead choose to play with Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei at the WTA Premier event, which will be staged at the National Tennis Center from Oct. 1-7.

    Hsieh, this year’s Malaysian Open winner, said her partnership with Yan hasn’t been decided.

    “I am really looking forward to her comeback, especially since she can bring me a big toy (her baby girl),” Hsieh told the Chinese News Agency at Wimbledon.

    (SD-Agencies)