It was in September 2014 that Li Na, famous Chinese tennis player hung up her racquets as a professional player, thus retiring from the game.
However, the year following has been some pretty rosy ones for her in terms of finance.
According to a recent CNN piece, IMG’s Max Eisenbud who is Li’s agent has it that the tennis star recently “made somereally big money” on Chinese reality TV programs. Since after retiring from the sport three years ago, there has been more and more opportunities for Li Na to pad her earnings, while also furthering her personal brand’s visibility.
Eisenbud, who also serves in the capacity of Maria Sharapova’s agent made mention of how much they have passed on and how much interest there is in so many things.
In addition to all these, a feature-length film based on the life of the former tennis player is in the works. Peter Chan Ho-sun, her countryman is in charge as director of the film. Chan is also represented by IMG as well. Production of the film is expected to begin this year and Li Na is working with the company as a consultant for the movie.
Speaking to CNN, Eisenbud says;
“I always call her the Billie Jean King of that country, [as] she’s a true pioneer.”
The tennis star is also set to begin her own TV production company in collaboration with her husband commonly known as Dennis, playing various sports in China with other athletes.
In 2011, Li became a household name in China after she beat Francesca Schiavone of Italy on the clay of Roland Garros. She went on to win the Australian Open in 2014, climbing up to a career-high No. 2 in the world that same year.