Never too old to play tennis, says Asian veteran

While pundits and fans are concerned 30-year-old Li Na's age could be an issue in coming seasons, Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm, nation's most successful tennis player, believes the Chinese star is still in her prime.

"I don't think she's old. She's only 30, still 12 years younger than me," said Date-Krumm (pictured), who reached the highest ranking for an Asian player when she hit No 4 in 1995.

"I think it's good timing. Tennis is not only technical and physical. It's more about mentality sometimes. It's a combination.

"She has more experience than the young players. At the top level it's getting difficult (at her age). But I still see a lot of miles in her and she still has the chance (to win majors)."

Remaining active on court at the age of 42, Date-Krumm came back from a 12-year retirement in 2008 and continues to present a threat to much younger opponents.

She became the second-oldest player to win a WTA title when she claimed the 2009 Osaka Open at 38 (Billie Jean King won in Birmingham in 1983 at 39) and moved on to be the oldest to beat a top-10 player after upsetting Samantha Stosur (then No 6) at 39 at the same tournament in 2010.

Enjoying the experience more than the results, Date-Krumm knows how to take care of her body.

"I practiced four or five hours (every day) when I was younger, but now it's not so much, maybe, normally, two hours or three. And cross-physical training, not so much on-court. I save more energy for the tournament."

Although her Shenzhen campaign was snuffed out in the first round (beaten by China's Duan Yingying), Date-Krumm was not too upset.

"It's not easy, but I love tennis I like challenges," said Date-Krumm, who knocked out two Chinese youngsters, Zhang Yuxuan and Zhou Yimiao, in the qualifiers to make the main draw.

"Sometimes I am not happy after losing. But it's very interesting to play against players who are young enough to be my daughters. So it's funny."

Traveling around the world with her German husband, Michael, and living in Monaco, Date-Krumm says she can't wait to be a mother.

"I want to have babies and we've tried many years but nothing has happened."

Imagining life post-tennis, Date-Krumm revealed she would like to work as a TV commentator while helping children in the school she sponsors in Laos.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/07/2013 page23)