One of the best things about the WTA Finals in Singapore is that we get a chance to catch up with Li Na who is an ambassador of the tournament and has been showing up for it in her retirement.

The charming Chinese star has a great sense of humour and is one of the most popular female tennis players.

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She became a mother around five months ago, to a baby girl named Alisa, and she told us motherhood is definitely tougher than being a tennis player.

“Time is running so fast.  After one year I got a lot of changes in my life. Also I got a lot of experience.  Four and a half month ago I became a mum. I always feel being a mum is much tougher than when I was playing,” said the two-time grand slam champion.

“When I was playing I can totally control schedule, timing, but being a mum it’s tough to control the baby.”

A journalist complimented Li Na and told her she looked pretty and relaxed. The 33-year-old quickly answered with a laugh: “I was pretty as well before (as a player). When I was on court it was my competition face. Now you see my off court face.”

Maria Sharapova, who shares an agent with Li Na in Max Eisenbud, said she was thrilled to catch up with her.

“The fans, the tournament, everyone that has worked with her and played against her, I think she just has something, a good vibe, a good feeling when she’s around. I think she makes us all laugh. I think she’s even funnier when she’s not playing. More relaxed. It’s just nice to see her,” said the Russian.

Meanwhile, American legend Tracy Austin, who is playing the Legends Classic here in Singapore, revealed she can’t wait for the day she is referred to as Brandon Holt’s mum rather than Tracy Austin.

Turns out her 17-year-old son Brandon is starting to make a career out of tennis and he just won singles and doubles titles at a junior ITF.

“He’s still in school. All the kids he plays against are not in school. Yesterday he flew to Florida to do a 10-day camp with the USTA with Ivan Lendl and Jez Green. That’s pretty exciting times for him. I figured you got to miss school for that, because Ivan Lendl has a lot of knowledge and a lot of insight on how to play on clay as well. Very exciting time.”

Good for Brandon. Spending time with Lendl certainly worked for Andy Murray. I guess we should watch out for Tracy’s son in the future.