Former two-time Chinese Grand Slam champion Li Na is excited about starting a family with husband Jiang Shan after announcing her pregnancy at the Australian Open.

On Monday, when officially opening the tournament she won in 2014, Li shocked the crowd with her baby news.

She said on Tuesday that she had waited since November to reveal the news at the place she had won her second Grand Slam.

"Melbourne, for me, is a special area, so I know this is a big moment for me," Li said in a press conference.

"I wanted to speak to all my fans, my friends.

"When I (found out), I was feeling this is the best gift I got."

After making the tough decision to retire following chronic injuries, Li said she was looking forward to becoming a housewife.

"It is my dream to be a housewife. I think every child learns from the family," the Wuhan local said.

"I learnt from my mum, so I felt the woman has to be the housewife.

"But I guess I'm not bad at playing tennis."

Li retired in September last year, only seven months after reaching the No.2 ranking.

Now, besides motherhood, she is focused on choosing a location for her tennis academy - the first in China.

"Right now, the Chinese are very interested about tennis. When I said I wanted to have a tennis academy, all of China invited me," she said.

"Now, I have many choices."

Li also endorsed Japan's Kei Nishikori to take her mantle as Asia's No.1 tennis player.

"I saw him play (the US Open) final on TV," Li said.

"I think he is an amazing player. It is not easy to be in the top.

"I know how hard working he is so I believe he can win a Grand Slam. Seriously."

On the lighter side, the media favorite has not stopped her joking since retirement.

Asked whether, in another life, she would choose to be a tennis player, Li said yes.

"I will still choose tennis," she said, before adding with a smile: "I would still choose being a famous Asian as well." Endit