China's Li Na made an emotional return to her hometown in Wuhan, China just days after announcing her retirement from tennis due to ongoing knee issues.

At the new Wuhan Open tournament, Li made an appearance to receive recognition from the event and the many fans who turned out. Caroline Wozniacki was also on hand during the ceremony.

In an interview with AFP, Li talked about the impact her father's death at age 14 made on her life and tennis career. Li reveals that she felt tennis was her opportunity to help her surviving mother.

"I was thinking, you are a pretty big girl, you have to take care of your mom," Li said in the interview. Li admits that while younger she didn't always like playing tennis but continued in hopes of being successful to help her family. "When the father passed away, I think that was when I would say, 'The only chance is you have to be a good player.'" 

The Chinese superstar, who became one of the biggest sports stars from her country, went on to win two Grand Slam singles titles including the 2011 French Open and the Australian Open earlier this year.

(Photo Credit: AP)