MELBOURNE, Jan. 19 -- Retired Chinese tennis queen Li Na will soon play a whole new role in her life -- to be a mom.

The two-time Grand Slam winner announced Monday that she is expecting her first child. The announcement was met with thunderous cheers and applause from spectators in Rod Laver Arena where Li lifted the Australian Open title in 2014, her second Grand Slam championship since the French Open in 2011.

"I choose to share my secret here with fans from all over the world," said Li. "This summer, the first baby of Jiang Shan's and mine will come to this world."

"I can't wait to have this new chapter in our lives," she added.

The 32-year-old retired during last year's China Open in October.