Asia is experiencing exciting times with more players from this part of the world emerging to play tennis at the highest level.

INDIAN tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi will play his last season next year.

The retirement of the Asian tennis legend, who won 12 Grand Slam doubles titles, including three men’s doubles titles with fellow countryman Leander Paes, means that the carrying the flag of Asian tennis will be passed on to the younger generation of players from the continent.

As it is, Asia is banking on 2011 French Open champion Li Na to take its tennis to greater heights.

The 30-year-old Chinese player, who became the first Asian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title, is ranked No. 7 in the world and still plays top-flight tennis.