China's two-time grand slam winner Li Na made her first appearance on court as she inaugurated the new tennis stadium in Wuhan.

Li Na's fans quipped that Alisa was born for tennis. June 3 is also the birthday of Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal.

Li Na will go up against another tennis legend, Serena Williams, for the women's award.

Li Na, The two-time Grand Slam winner, hugely popular at Melbourne Park where she won the title last year and reached the final in 2011 and 2013, unexpectedly retired in September.

Li Na, wearing high heels and a flowing black evening dress, opened the WTA Finals in Singapore with a ceremonial first serve.

Australian Open's prize money will increase 10 per cent and the winners of both the men's and women's singles Grand Slam final will take home Aus$3 million.

Serena Williams, who won her 18th Grand Slam title at the US Open, said all top athletes are at risk when pushing their bodies to the limit.

Maria Sharapova feels Li Na should have no regrets although her retirement is a big loss to international tennis.

Stars are set to battle hard in Wuhan Open even as local favourite Li Na announced her shock retirement close to the start of the event.

Chinese tennis sensation Li Na announced her retirement and said that she is satisfied with her career and felt the time was right to quit.