The 37-year-old, who topped a fan vote out of eight nominations for the Class of 2019, added: "Looking back over the years, there have been a lot of people who have empowered me.

"I would like to thank the team where I grew up, also the Chinese federation, all my coaches. Too many friends to mention, and also my family. All of these have resulted in Li Na, and I could not have achieved what I have without them."

Li's 2011 French Open triumph saw her become the first Asian to win a singles major. The final was watched by an estimated 116 million Chinese and triggered a tennis boom back home.

Having been runner-up twice in Melbourne, she then added the 2014 Australian Open title to her trophy cabinet before calling time on her career later that year at the age of 32.

Eisenbud compared Li to trailblazing women's great King, the 39-time Grand Slam champion who has inspired generations of girls to pick up a racket.