( CNN ) -- It was the long goodbye as China bid farewell to its sporting heroine in a tearful ceremony . Li Na had announced last month at the age of 32 her career was over , that her recurring knee problems would keep her off the court once and for all . And at the start of the China Open at Beijing 's National Tennis Center Asia 's first grand slam singles champion was lauded by peers , Chinese celebrities and the wider public in a special ceremony . In all , 40 WTA players were on court for the ceremony , which reached its climax as world No.2 Rafa Nadal , moments after winning on his own return from injury , presented the player with flowers alongside her husband Jiang Shan . The 14-time Grand Slam champion had previously tweeted : `` Congratulations for your career and I wish you all the best in your new life # LoveLi . '' Li reached a career-best ranking of second earlier this year shortly after her victory at the Australian Open . She had previously become her continent 's first grand slam winner at the 2011 French Open , one of nine WTA career singles titles . But having not played since Wimbledon , she decided to retire . Now , she plans to start a family and also set up her own tennis academy but admitted : `` I was sad because tennis was with me for 24 years '' . Caroline Wozniacki , Jelena Jankovic and Petra Kvitova were among the players on court to wipe away the tears , Wimbledon champion Kvitova leading the tributes . `` The most important thing I want to say is thank you for being our opponent , thank you for being our inspiration and thank you for being our friend . We will miss you , champion , '' said Kvitova . WTA chairman Stacey Allaster also paid tribute adding : `` You 're a true champion and pioneer , who has made such a difference in so many people 's lives . You are the player of this decade , who has made the most impact and growth on women 's tennis . ''
Kvitova says its goodbyes to Kvitova in a tear-jerking ceremony in China , China . Recurring knee injuries had forced the 32-year-old to call time on her career . Kvitova , Kvitova and Wozniacki were among those to lead the emotional tributes . World ' No.2 Rafa Nadal came on court to present her with a bouquet of flowers .