Li Na says Osaka needs 'desire' to go further

Chinese tennis great Li Na said US Open champion Naomi Osaka can go on and win multiple Grand Slam titles -- if she can find the inner desire to match her physical abilities.

Osaka has admitted feeling burdened by expectations after last month's stunning victory in New York, saying she puts pressure on herself to "do more, do better".

The 20-year-old world number six was also in tears after her "bittersweet" US Open win, which was marred by Serena Williams' explosive row by the chair umpire.

"I believe with her abilities and strength, she can win many (Grand Slam titles) -- that is if she really has the desire to be a champion," Li told AFP ahead of the Hong Kong Open.

Osaka, Asia's second Grand Slam singles champion after Li, has pulled out of the Hong Kong tournament with a back injury.

Williams, 37, brought a halt to her season after the US Open final, where her latest attempt at a record-equalling 24th major title ended in acrimony.

But Li, the former French Open and Australian ...