Li Na nominated for Laureus Sportswoman of the Year

2014 Australian Open tennis champion Li Na of China poses with the trophy during her farewell ceremony at Rod Laver Arena on the first day of 2015 Australian Open tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan 19, 2015.

Retired Chinese tennis ace Li Na has been nominated for this year's Laureus Sportswoman of the year.

Li is the only Chinese athlete to be nominated.

The two-time Grand Slam champion announced her retirement from the sport last year.

However, her achievement in the sport, particularly, being the only Asian player, male or female, to have ever become the world number 2 has left a hefty legacy in Asian sports.

Novak Djokovic, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, golfer Rory Mcilroy and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronald were nominated for the sportsman of the year award.

The finalists of the awards will be announced at a ceremony on April 15 in Shanghai.