Before she became the country’s most successful tennis player by reaching Saturday’s final of the Australian Open, Li Na was almost as well-known in China for her tattoo.
编者按：在本文见报后不久，李娜在1月29日举行的澳大利亚网球公开赛决赛中，1:2不敌比利时选手克里斯特尔斯，获得亚军。
The small rose and heart on her chest might not seem racy on the women’s tennis circuit, but it was a strong statement of individuality in a country where tattoos are not popular. She used to cover it up with tape, but no longer bothers.
在打入周六的澳大利亚网球公开赛决赛、并由此成为中国最成功网球运动员之前，李娜就已因她的文身而在中国名声大噪。
Ms Li’s performance in this year’s first grand slam event has called attention to another act of rebellion that could have bigger ramifications for the future of sport in China. Two years ago she was one of four female tennis players who were released from the rigid structure of the Chinese sports system and allowed to manage their own careers.
她文在胸上的一小朵穿心玫瑰也许在女子网球巡回赛上算不上扎眼，但在文身并不普遍的中国，这却是十足的张扬个性。以前，李娜还会用胶带把文身遮起来，但现在再也不用费这个麻烦了。