CRI听力:Li Na Running for Laureus Award

Li Na was nominated this year for good reasons.

The tennis player has won two Grand Slam titles including the Australian Open and achieved a career-best world number 2 ranking before she retired late last year.

She says she feels excited to be among the nominees.

"I think the Laureus Awards represent the highest honor and I'm really happy just to be nominated. I'm also very happy to participate in the awards ceremony. And I'd like to thank everyone for their great support to the sporting community."

Yang Yang, China's first winter Olympic gold medalist is a Laureus Academy member.

"I think Li Na has a good chance. Li Na has gone through a lot in the past year, and despite her injuries, she managed to get another championship under her belt. She's a strong candidate."

Among the other five candidates for the sportswoman of the year award, Serena Williams is also a strong contender, having won three times in both the sportswoman's award and comeback award categories.

Li Na also takes the chance to send her wishes to former Laureus award winner Liu Xiang who recently announced his retirement.

"I believe, it is quite a tough decision for both Liu Xiang and myself. This is a day that cannot be avoided for any sports player in the field. So whoever is retiring, I'll just give them my best wishes."

When asked about her plans for the future, the expectant mother responded cheerfully.

"Wherever I go, I kind of have to go with my baby, don't I? Even though I've retired, opening my own tennis school is still my future plan. I hope, by doing that, more people would like to participate in sports."

The Laureus Awards winners are selected by the votes of the Laureus World Sports Academy, including Chinese table tennis legend Deng Yaping, Chinese gymnast Li Xiaopeng and Yang Yang.

For CRI, I'm Niu Honglin in Shanghai.