The 32-year-old won the Australian Open in January to add to her 2011 French Open title.

However, the world number six has not played since losing in the third round at Wimbledon in June

State broadcaster CCTV said Li was retiring because of knee injury concerns and will announce her decision on Friday.[eap_ad_2]

Li became a national sporting hero in China after becoming Asia’s first grand slam singles champion and only America-based Russian Maria Sharapova has higher off-court earnings, according to the Forbes list of highest paid female athletes. (BBC Sport)[eap_ad_3]