Last week, Nike debuted its new Li Na Collection, the first such line inspired by and released for a Chinese female athlete, according to Li's reps at IMG.

Nike's press on the collection notes its commitment to showcasing Li's "inner confidence and passionate spirit."

To that end, Li herself had this to say: "I've always been stubborn and disobedient. I've never followed the rules. Fortunately, this nature is now appreciated."

The line of sports-leisure wear will be touted on the figures of five prominent Chinese athletes and models moving forward, including 28-year-old Chinese pro Zhang Shuai.

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Li retired from playing professionally in September 2014 after seizing the Australian Open title eight months earlier, her second of two major singles titles. She gave birth in December 2016 to her second child with husband Jiang "Dennis" Shan.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.