Li Na is to-date China's only Grand Slam tennis champion, winning both the French and Australian Opens, and was ranked as highly as No.2 in the world. Li Na will serve as a consultant on the project, which will go into production later this year for a planned 2016 release. Li retired from the sport last year, after becoming not only an international celebrity, but an icon throughout China of independence, freedom and hope - as well as a trailblazer for women's rights.
"Li Na had an impossible dream and found a way to turn it into reality" Chan is quoted as saying in the press release. "She broke rules and defied conventions and, against all odds, became a legend. I'm mesmerized by what she has been able to accomplish and what she represents as a symbol of hope for millions of people around the world. I'm more curious at her raison d'etre in China today."
"I am honored to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tell my life story through a film and work with such an accomplished film director as Peter Ho-Sun Chan. I had to make a lot of sacrifices in my life in order to become the best tennis player I could be and the film project makes it all worth it. Hopefully, the film will be able to inspire others to believe in themselves and follow their dreams,'' added Li Na.