Li Na recalls when she first saw Naomi Osaka

believes deserves all the success. In a press conference last week at the Australian Open in Melbourne, the two-time Grand Slam champion praised the Japanese star, who won her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

When I first saw Naomi Osaka play, I thought she was really calm down, very mature on the court. I was so focused on her game itself and brought herself from Instagram or digital media, no pressure, point by point.

That quality and the players focus really impressed me on the court, said Li Na. The International Hall of Fame president Todd Martin said: To think of Li Nas accomplishments in her career in that context, to me it makes it really exciting for the potential growth in our sport.

But if we were to look forward all those years at the people who are looking back at really what the birth of the sport was in that region, you would look at the Beijing Olympics and the success of Li Nas career. You would also look at Michael Chang, even though hes an Asian-American, certainly had an impact on the sport in that region.

Thats how I look at it. Mary Pierce admired Li Na: I just really admired the fact that coming from China and being I want to say independent, a strong woman, standing out for your sport, for yourself, doing what you wanted to do, kind of like trailblazing for your country, for the sport, for also girls to play tennis, to make a pathway for them to be able to have dreams and to achieve them.

I think thats a huge impact for her country and for her sport and for girls and women. I admire that. Its not easy to do coming from her country, I would imagine. Obviously fantastic game, great athleticism. I always loved how she took the ball so early, taking the ball in the air.

Personally swing volley is one of my favourite shots. You used to do those very well. And a great competitor, obviously. Great competitor, as well. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title