Retired champion Li Na announces she’s pregnant

Defending Australian Open women’s singles’ champion Li Na of China, left, poses with her wax model unveiled at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015. AP PHOTO/Vincent Thian

MELBOURNE, Australia – Retired two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na has announced she is expecting her first child.

Li, who won the title at the Australian Open last year and then walked away from the game in September due to chronic injuries, made the announcement during an on-court ceremony before the night session at Rod Laver Arena on Monday.

Known for making jokes at her husband’s expense at Melbourne Park over the years, the 32-year-old Li was far more charitable on Monday, giving him credit for his part in the pregnancy.

She said, “Me and Dennis we are so excited our first child will be out in the summer. Dennis is doing good job, he just makes one ace.”