Influenced by her father, Li Na began to practice badminton in 1988, and was trained by tennis coach Xia in 1989. Under the leadership of coach Xia, Li Na completed her primary school studies. After graduating from primary school, Li Na joined the 1996 Hubei team and met another "noble" coach Yu Liqiao in her career. Under the guidance of Yu Liqiao, Li Na trained harder on the court. 1997, 15-year-old Li Na went to the United States for training for seven months. 1999 Li Na entered the national team.