NEW YORK: China’s Li Na has a new man in her life and her husband couldn’t be happier.
Ever since Li linked up with Justine Henin’s former coach, Carlos Rodriguez, earlier this summer, her career has been reinvigorated with a runner-up spot in Montreal followed by a title in Cincinnati.
It’s a success that meant an end to her on-off coaching relationship with husband Jiang Shan, but Li insisted on Monday that her marriage, as well as her career, have both benefitted.
“After I got a new coach I think for both me and my husband it’s much easier,” said 30-year-old Li after reaching the US Open second round.
“Love is love; coach is coach. You have to separate.
“After I changed the coach, I didn’t say my husband didn’t do a good job. I think he’s still doing good job,” Li said.
Li’s triumph in Cincinnati was her first title since her landmark 2011 French Open victory, and her good form continued on Monday when she eased past 20-year-old Briton Heather Watson 6-2, 6-3 to make the second round at the US Open.
It was her first win at Flushing Meadows since her tournament-best performance of a quarter-final run in 2009. (AFP)
