Image by Getty Images via @daylifeSome of the spotlight at the Asian Games will fall on Chinese tennis. The veteran players are improving, but with the withdrawal of Zheng Jie, Chinese youngsters need to assume more responsibility at Guangzhou next month.
Peng Shuai was one of the first Chinese tennis athletes to get on the professional road. She was the earliest to find a coach, and among the first to arrange her competition schedule through the coach instead of with the national team. Peng was considered China's future star when she was 14 years old, and she competed at the Asian Games at a very early age.
"My first time to take part in Asian Games was when I was 15 years old. But there was a cramp in my leg. I appeared at the last Asian Games, but I didn't show up on court."
Many Chinese fans consider Peng Shuai the tennis team leader, especially after she beat Amelie Mauresmo and Martina Hingis at the 2008 China Tennis Open. But the veteran says she's not at ease, with the Guangzhou Asian Games just ahead.
"I feel very happy to play in Guangzhou, but I am also under a lot of pressure."
Peng Shuai turned pro first, but the female player with the best performance on this road is Li Na. She's currently the most famous Chinese player in international tennis, and success at the Asian Games is her top goal.
"This will be my last Asian Games. I'm honored to be part of the games, and I do hope we can put on a good performance."
Li Na's departure from the Games after Guangzhou means the new generation of Chinese tennis players must catch up, and shoulder more responsibility as soon as possible.
"I think they are good. Group matches involve four people and I can't play all the matches by myself. So I need work together with these youngsters to be at our best."
The young players performed well at the recently-finished China tennis grand prix. There's no doubt they will be the future of the sport in China.
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