Li Na to retire after China Open: reports

Li Na of China holds the trophy after winning her women's singles final match against Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia at 2014 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 25, 2014. [Photo: Xinhua/Li Jundong]

New reports are circulating which are suggesting Li Na is preparing to call an end to her professional tennis career later this year.

US sportscaster Mary Carillo has gone on social media to report Li Na's agent has told her the Chinese tennis star is going to retire after the China Open in early October.

These reports have not been confirmed.

The 32-year old has been forced to miss the current US Open because of a lingering knee injury.

This has also forced her to fall to number-3 in the world rankings.

Li Na won her 2nd grand slam title earlier this year at the Australian Open.

However, early exits from both the French Open and Wimbledon prompted Li Na to part with her coach, Carlos Rodriguez.

This has led to rampant speculation Li Na is preparing to retire from the game.