Two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na announces pregnancy at Australian Open

World Today

Retired defending champion of Australian Open tennis championship, Li Na of China, speaks at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na returned to Melbourne Park Monday for the first time since hoisting the championship trophy last year, announcing to the crowd that she and her husband are expecting their first child.

“I’m not sure I can trust everyone or not,” she playfully told the crowd before letting everyone in on her secret. “Me and Dennis, we are so excited our first child will be out in the summer. Dennis is doing good job — he just makes one ace.”

Li later posted a message on Facebook saying she chose to make the big announcement at Rod Laver Arena because of the special connection she felt with the Australian crowd during her two runner-up finishes at Melbourne Park in 2011 and 2013 and her title run last year.

At the 2011 French Open Li became the first Asian player to win a major. She captured her second Grand Slam last year. She decided retire in September due to recurring knee injuries.

Report complied with information from The Associated Press