WIMBLEDON, England — Four years after playing the last match of her career at Wimbledon, Li Na has returned to the All England Club.
Her life has had additions; she brought her two children, Alisa, 3, and Sapa, 1½.
But she is missing the kinesio tape that once constantly adorned her knee, and her trademark tan has faded to where one junior Chinese player said she initially did not recognize Li.
What has not receded is Li’s power as a symbol of success in China. On the court, two Chinese players inspired by Li, a two-time Grand Slam champion, have reached the semifinals of the girls’ singles competition, and another Chinese player is in the boys’ semifinals.