CHINESE tennis star Li Na is expected to announce her retirement from the sport Friday, Chinese media reported Thursday, citing “insiders.”

    CCTV-5, sports channel of State broadcaster China Central Television, quoted unnamed insiders as saying Li, 32, will announce her retirement because of injuries Friday.

    “According to insiders, Li Na will officially announce her retirement Sept. 19,” CCTV-5 said on its verified microblog.

    CCTV-5’s report came after web portal SINA Sports, also quoting unnamed sources, said management company IMG would hold a briefing Friday to announce Li’s retirement.

    The South China Morning Post also had similar report on its microblog.

    The world No. 6 won the Australian Open in January but her season has been troubled by injury and she has been sidelined since late July with a knee problem.

    She initially planned to return at the inaugural WTA Wuhan Open, in her home city, next week. Earlier in July, Li also split with her influential coach, Carlos Rodriguez.

    Li became one of the region’s biggest stars when she won the 2011 French Open, becoming the first Asian national to win a Grand Slam singles title.

    She has become a poster girl for the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), which has made a concerted push into Asia with several new tournaments including Wuhan.

    (SD-Agencies)