Li Na, winner of two Grand Slam singles titles, took part in an emotional farewell ceremony at the China Open in Beijing.

The 32-year-old Li, who recently announced her retirement due to knee injuries, received adulation and support not only from the fans but a large group of WTA players.

Petra Kvitova, a long-time friend, spoke for many players by saying, "Thank you for being our opponent, our inspiration, and our friend."

Rafael Nadal, accompanied by Li's husband, also attended the ceremony to pay his tributes to the tennis pioneer.

World No. 1 Serena Williams, who could not attend because she was scheduled to play a match that evening said later about Li, "She's an amazing player. She's done so much for over a billion people. What's she's done for our sport, the sport I play in, is really second to none."

Fans waved signs saying, "This is Li Na's Motherland" as the Wuhan native spoke to the crowd and the players gathered.

"This is not goodbye…I will come to see all of you," Li said to her fellow players.

Li was named an Official Ambassador for the upcoming WTA Finals in Singapore where she is scheduled to appear.