It is the second time Li Na was nominated for the award in Laureus, an Oscar-like ceremony after she became a candidate in 2012.
China's new sports idol Li Na, famous for her generosity of off-court wit, is also generous with her prize money as she donated 500,000 yuan to the Wuhan rest home in her hometown.
French Open champion Li Na has been officially honored by the government for her unprecedented feat as the first Chinese to win a tennis grand slam title.
Chinese tennis star Li Na was honored on Monday by her home province as the "Pioneer of Breakthrough" for her landmark victory in the French Open.
Just two weeks after Li Na won the French open to become the first Grand Slam champion from Asia, Mercedes-Benz announced the Chinese player will be its global ambassador.
LONDON - Chinese No 2 Peng Shuai said Li Na's breakthrough French Open win had ramped up the interest in Chinese tennis - and the pressure.
French Open champion Li Na of China defeated Alla Kudryavtseva from Russia 6-3, 6-3 to reach the women 's singles second round at the Wimbledon Championships on Tuesday.
Chinese Li Na's success at Roland Garros was a breakthrough for Asian tennis, which led to positive reactions and Asian expectations on forthcoming Wimbledon all over the tennis world.
Women's tennis is preparing for a Chinese boom after Li Na's historic win at the French Open. "It will inspire in China many young girls to pick up a racket who might not otherwise have done so."
Li Na will surely emerge as China's most attractive sports star for brands aiming to reach Chinese consumers.
Breaking away from the pack, Li Na not only became the highest paid sportswoman with the first grand slam singles title in Asia, but challenged China's state training system.
The WTA confirmed on Thursday that Li Na's title match against Italy's Francesca Schiavone at the French Open on Saturday was the most watched sporting event to date this year in China.
Li Na's triumph at the French Open has made her the first Chinese and Asian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title. Not only her win, but also her perseverance and passion for the sport will help the development of tennis in China, says an article in South Metropolis Newspaper.